Morocco’s Human Rights Chief Opposes Criminalization of Extramarital Sex

"Are we going to retaliate against the issue of individual freedoms with imprisonment? I don’t think so, because several men would be in prison today," Amina Bouayach wondered during a conference organized by the Maison de la Presse in Tangier last Monday. According to her, individual freedoms and freedoms are indivisible.

In Morocco, those guilty of "extramarital sex" or "adultery" are punished by sentences provided for in the Penal Code. Several associations and human rights defenders denounce "repressive laws". The Collectif 490-Moroccan Outlaws has, for its part, called for the repeal of several articles of the text.

For the president of the CNDH, the issue is worrying and should be debated. "Young people aspire to more freedom. People want to breathe a little, especially the younger ones. The issue of individual freedoms is an essential subject. We have to talk about it as we do for several other affairs in Morocco within the framework of a participatory approach. [...] If we don’t do it, we won’t reflect what is worrying public opinion," pleaded Amina Bouayach.