Morocco Relaxes Hotel Rules, Sparking Debate on Privacy vs. Tradition

The police have contacted hotel owners and informed them that it is no longer permitted to require marriage contracts from couples when booking rooms, and that an unmarried woman residing in the same city can rent a room. This news is diversely appreciated by Moroccans. "Good news, let’s hope it extends to all of Morocco... we no longer live in the 1970s," comments a Moroccan Internet user on X. Another Moroccan Internet user described this decision as "great news for the country". For him, it is a matter of personal freedom and privacy. Other Internet users, however, have criticized this decision, which, according to them, undermines Moroccan social values and goes against Islamic teachings. "We are in a Muslim country and not a liberal one! May Allah guide his people," said a Moroccan Internet user on X. There are Moroccan Internet users who think that the decision opens the door to behavior contrary to Moroccan morals and encourages adultery, reports Morocco World News. Some have taken a neutral stance. They advocated for women’s right to access housing without discrimination. "A woman allowed to stay alone in a hotel should not be prohibited. However, unmarried couples are another matter," said another Internet user.

Younes Mendris, owner of the Riad in Fez, joins the controversy. According to him, the recent statements by hoteliers regarding the acceptance of unmarried couples are "personal opinions" and do not reflect the legal realities. "Only the legislator has the power to criminalize or authorize such practices through official legislative channels," he explained, while warning of potential legal consequences for hoteliers if problems arise involving unmarried couples, such as death or criminal activities. Mendris stressed the importance of clear legal guidelines before implementing changes in hotel policies. "During this interim period, it is prudent to await explicit legal or ministerial guidelines on the matter. After the recent statement by the Minister of Justice, he was immediately summoned by the legislative committee for an urgent discussion. Until then, caution is advised," he added. What does he think about the refusal of female clients with the same address as the hotel? "There is neither law nor decree on the matter," he assured. According to his explanations, "it is simply a common practice of hoteliers for years, without legal basis. On the contrary, customers have the right to file a complaint against hotels if they are denied accommodation when they have a reservation. Hotels are public spaces with duties and obligations to be respected".

To support his argument, Mendris recounted the case of a woman. After a dispute with her husband, she had been denied accommodation in a hotel because of her local address and had subsequently been assaulted in the street. She sued the hotel and won the case, he said, stressing the legal expectation for hotels to provide accommodation without discrimination based on residence.