Moroccan Justice Minister Warns of Growing LGBTQ Influence Amid Legal Ban

Abdellatif Ouahbi is concerned about the "growing influence of homosexuals" and their presence in decision-making circles. These concerns were expressed during his appearance on the "Soual Mobachir" program on the AI Arabiya channel. According to him, homosexuals have the means to influence public opinion, particularly in Europe, the United States and some Northern European countries, where they enjoy a certain level of social and political legitimacy. The minister will add that some Western leaders exert influence on economic issues, even if the extent and nature of this influence remain unclear.

Stressing that Arab and Islamic societies do not aim to fight individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, Abdellatif Ouahbi nevertheless insisted that they must remain firm in defending their own cultural values and beliefs. He believes that the growing influence of homosexuals is temporary, which does not prevent him from warning against the "serious consequences" that could result from this situation.

In Morocco, homosexuality is a criminal offense prohibited by Article 489 of the Penal Code. This article stipulates: "Anyone who commits an indecent or unnatural act with an individual of the same sex shall be punished with imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of 120 to 1,000 dirhams, unless the act constitutes a more serious offense."

In June, the minister had assured that homosexuality cannot be legalized in a Muslim country like Morocco, despite the manipulations of Islamist currents on the issue. "No one can legalize homosexuality in Morocco. We remain a Muslim country, but the Islamist currents want to make this issue a cause around which they intend to unite and form a political force. But I will never allow the political instrumentalization of the issue of reforming the Penal Code," he had said in an interview with Al3omk.