Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
For the latest travel information log on to the following websites:
www.auswaertiges-amt.de
German Federal Foreign Office.
www.fco.gov.uk/travel
UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
www.minbuza.nl
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
www.mofa.go.jp
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
www.safetravel.govt.nz
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
www.smartraveller.gov.au
Australian Government's travel advice and consular information.
www.travel.state.gov
US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs.
www.voyage.gc.ca
Canadian Consular Services Bureau.
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
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Homosexual acts (including kissing) are illegal in Morocco, and carry a potential jail term of up to three
years and/or a fine.
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In practice, although not openly admitted or shown, sex between men is not uncommon, even if few act-
ively self-identify as gay.
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Platonic affection is freely shown among Moroccans, more so between men than women.
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For travellers, discretion is the key in most places. Avoid public displays of affection - aggression towards
gay male travellers is not unheard of.
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Some towns are more gay-friendly than others, with Marrakesh winning the prize, followed by Tangier.
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There are no dedicated gay destinations, although 'gay' bars can be found here and there; nightlife in the
bigger cities includes something for everybody.
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The pressures of poverty mean many young men will consider having sex for money or gifts. Exploitative
relationships form an unpleasant but real dimension of the Moroccan gay scene.
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Lesbians shouldn't encounter any problems, though it's commonly believed by Moroccans that there are
no lesbians in their country.
Websites
Useful websites that give the low-down on local laws and attitudes to homosexuality include the following:
Kif Kif
(
www.kifkifgroup.org/
) Moroccan civil society organisation promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transsexual rights.
