Morocco: Sexuality outside of marriage divides

Many civil society organizations have called for the abolition of Article 490 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes consensual sexual relations outside of marriage. But a significant portion of the Moroccan population remains strongly attached to the traditional values of marriage and is fighting to maintain the status quo.

According to a recent survey conducted by the newspaper L’Économiste in partnership with Sunergia, 91% of respondents are against the recognition of sexual relations outside of marriage, while 6% said they are in favor of it. In detail, 8% of men are in favor of legalizing sexual relations outside of marriage, compared to 3% for women. Conversely, 87% of men and 94% of women are opposed to the criminalization of these relations.

By age group, those aged 65 and over are more favorable to the recognition of extramarital relations, with 15% in favor and 76% against, followed by those aged 25-34 with 9% in favor and 91% against. However, young people aged 18-24 are the most numerous to oppose the legalization of these relations, with 96%, followed by those aged 45-54 and 55-64, with 94%.

By region, the survey reveals that the center and northeast record the highest rejection rates of the legalization of these relations, with 89% and 93% respectively. Respondents in rural areas seem more favorable to this type of relationship, with 7% compared to 5% for those living in urban areas.