Moroccan Writer Calls for Decriminalization of Homosexuality, Citing Shifting Public Opinion

Abdellah Taïa, in an op-ed, recounted the recent facts about homosexuality in Morocco since January 1, 2019.

He told the misadventure of a man wearing feminine clothes in Marrakech, who had been arrested by the police and dehumanized. According to the writer, the man’s words had an unexpected effect the next day. The man had declared: "What is happening to me could happen to you too. It’s not just me. Not just me. He doesn’t cry. I cry for him. I shouldn’t be the only one."And "the miracle happens."

"A huge wave of sympathy for the man from Marrakech invaded the web. We go from insults to solidarity. From rejection to attempts at understanding. We reach out. [...] We have no right to treat a Moroccan this way. [...] The police should protect citizens [...]," wrote Abdellah Taïa. This is the beginning of a change in mentality, he believes, towards the LGBTQ community in Morocco.

"A few weeks ago, a BBC poll revealed that 21% of Moroccans accept homosexuals," the writer said, before delving into his memories.

"When I was a teenager - and as lonely as the man from Marrakech - I often repeated this sentence in my head: ’I’m gay and soon I’ll be free.’ I didn’t imagine this happening in Morocco (...)," he recalled. Recent events make him believe that "Morocco is ready to free its homosexuals [...].’’ The future will tell.