Socially
conservative leaders in Morocco are blaming foreign
elements for a controversial seminar on gender and sexuality
scheduled to be held in the North African country in April.
Kif Kif, a Moroccan gay
group, announced that it would hold the seminar to help people
address issues they may be reluctant to discuss for religious
and cultural reasons. Homosexual acts are illegal in the Muslim
nation.
Sex researcher Hassan
Serrat was among those who expressed skepticism that the
Moroccan gay community could organize such an event without
foreign interference.
"They are
definitely getting foreign support, especially from British and
Spanish gay rights associations," he told
AlArabiya.net.
Serrat suggested the
assistance was the result of Spanish anger at the arrests of
gay citizens in Morocco.
"It seems the
International Lesbian and Gay Association delegated the
homosexuals of Spain to defend those of Morocco," he
said.
The International
Lesbian and Gay Association is a network of groups working to
advance gay rights throughout the world.
A spokesperson for Kif
Kif denied that the organization is receiving help
from foreign partners.
