Moroccan Film Tackles Taboo of Homosexuality in Conservative Society

In her film The Blue Caftan, Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani addresses several issues, including homosexuality in Morocco, where homosexuals often live hidden, in fear of being discovered, and sometimes in shame.
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.
Related Articles
-
Morocco’s Ambitious 105km Guercif-Nador Motorway: Reshaping the Oriental Region’s Future
22 July 2025
-
Gold Price Drop Sparks Wedding Season Boom for Moroccan Jewelers
22 July 2025
-
Taxi Fare Scandal: Tangier Consumers Fight Back Against Illegal Price Hikes
22 July 2025
-
Royal Splendor in M’diq: Morocco’s Throne Feast Preparations Dazzle as King Mohammed VI Set to Preside
22 July 2025
-
Moroccan Diaspora Outraged: Soaring Travel Costs Threaten Summer Homecomings
22 July 2025