Moroccan Film Tackles Taboo of Homosexuality in Conservative Society

In Morocco, "homosexuality is a criminal offense prohibited by Article 489 of the Penal Code. The person who gets caught can be sentenced to three years in prison. It’s a shame," says Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani in an interview with Watson. This article states: "Shall be punished by imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of 120 to 1,000 dirhams, unless the act constitutes a more serious offense, anyone who commits an indecent or unnatural act with an individual of the same sex."

According to the filmmaker, sexual encounters between gay men and women are organized, but they do not lead to real relationships. "The hammams may allow for brief sexual encounters, but not real relationships. Two men or two women cannot decide to spend their lives together in Morocco," she explained.