Skip to main content

Moroccan sex 'outlaws' protest criminalization of sex outside marriage

Following a Moroccan journalist's arrest for an alleged abortion and extramarital sex, thousands have signed an online petition to end the state's criminalization of sex outside marriage.
Moroccan activists hold signs in solidarity with Hajar Raissouni, a journalist charged with fornication and abortion, during a protest outside the Rabat tribunal, Morocco September 9, 2019. REUTERS/Youssef Boudlal - RC18C4FF30F0

Thousands of Moroccans signed an online manifesto today to protest a law criminalizing extramarital sex and abortion — a law that is often used as cover to prosecute and jail political dissidents. 

By 4 p.m. in Rabat, over 2,000 people, describing themselves as outlaws, had signed the declaration, which begins, “We are violating unfair and obsolete laws. We are having sex outside of wedlock.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.