By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Human Rights Watch and the Moroccan Human Rights Association are petitioning the Moroccan government to repeal a law that imprisons gays for having consensual sex, according to a joint statement released Tuesday.
Human Rights Watch and the Moroccan Human Rights Association are petitioning the Moroccan government to repeal a law that imprisons gays for having consensual sex, according to a joint statement released Tuesday. The two groups are also asking that Morocco release six men currently in jail under article 489 of the Moroccan penal code. Police arrested the men in November 2007 after a video of a private event circulated on the Internet. Prosecutors did not submit any evidence at the trial that the defendants violated the law and all men denied the charges.
A court in Ksar el-Kbir sentenced the six men to between four and 10 months in prison. An appellate court in Tangier upheld the conviction, but reduced their sentences.
"This trial shows how an unjust law can be used to violate the basic right to privacy and fuel social prejudice," Joe Stork, director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East and North Africa division, said in the press release. (The Advocate)
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
