Local authorities recently prevented the wedding of a French man and a New Zealander set to take place at a hotel in Ourika. In response to the ban, the Moroccan Christian Union issued an official apology to the two men via YouTube, speaking “on behalf of all human rights defenders and activists fighting to repeal Article 489 of the Moroccan Penal Code.”
Article 489, a recurrent subject of debate in Morocco, criminalizes homosexuality, stipulating that anyone who “commits an act of sexual deviance with someone of the same sex” faces imprisonment for six months to three years.
Adam Rabati, president of the Moroccan Christian Union, believes it is the responsibility of activists, religious leaders, and anyone who values freedom of choice to support the LGBTQ+ community in securing their place in society, especially as incidents of hate speech and violence against them continue to rise.
Rbati stressed that repealing parts of the Moroccan Penal Code—particularly those infringing on sexual rights—requires sustained efforts from various organizations. He also called for the swift introduction of laws to combat violence and hatred towards LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Union highlighted the importance of Morocco’s upcoming international, African, and local events in sports, culture, and politics, as a pivotal moment to repeal several sanctions within its penal code, including those related to consensual sexual relations, same-sex relationships, and public eating during Ramadan.
Rbati further noted that the two men chose Morocco for their celebration because they saw it as one of the most tolerant and welcoming countries in North Africa. He underscored the need to respect people’s love and rights in such instances, allowing them to assert their presence in a society plagued by hate speech and incitement to violence.
Following the wedding’s cancellation, many praised the authorities’ decision, arguing that it was in line with Moroccan societal and religious values. Others, however, felt that focusing on issues like homosexuality distracts from more pressing concerns, such as the recent floods in the southeast, the victims in Tata, rising prices, and the continuous hardships faced by the poor.
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