Homosexuality Acceptance in Moroccan Society Today

According to Article 489 of the Moroccan Penal Code of 1962, any person who commits “lewd or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex” may be sentenced to 6 months to 3 years of imprisonment and fined 120 to 1,000 Moroccan dirhams or approximately $15 to $150 U.S. dollars. Morocco, as well as many of its neighboring countries in the Middle East, enforces strict policies banning homosexuality today. Magharebia, an African news source, published and article quoting the Moroccan Ministry of Interior,“[our agenda] is to preserve citizens’ ethics and defend our society against all irresponsible actions that mar our identity and culture.” This was issued as a response to articles calling for greater homosexual tolerance published by “Kif Kif,” a gay rights organization based in Morocco. In recent years, Morocco’s LGBT community has fought for societal and governmental acceptance in a region where homosexuality has not been addressed as a human rights issue ever before.

YouTube screen shot of the controversial staged "gay marriage" that led to
the arrests of six men under Article 489 of Moroccan Penal Code.
Link to Youtube video within text-
1:40 is "marriage scene"
3:21 is riots when men and women denounced the actions.
source: http://arabstoday.blogspot.com
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxlbRPdj4AY

“Homosexuality in Morocco is tolerated behind closed doors but repressed in public,” stated an article published in The Moroccan Daily. In 2007, six men were arrested and jailed for four to six months under Article 489 of the Moroccan Penal Code for holding a private party that was alleged by the Moroccan government to be a “gay marriage.” The men were charged with the evidence from a YouTube video of the party, however the video did not contain any sexual activity among the men. Human Rights Watch published an article stating, “Following the arrests [of the six charged men], hundreds of men and women marched through the streets of Ksar el-Kbir, denouncing the men’s alleged actions and calling for their punishment.” The protest reveals the social divide in regards to homosexuality acceptance in the region and demonstrates how passionately some are against the cause. Despite arrests and protests such as these, Moroccan government and society are gradually changing their views of the LGBT community.

Elton John's singing at his controversial performance for the
Moroccan Mawazine Music Festival hosted by Moroccan parliament.
source: http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk
Video of Elton John's performance in Morocco and viewers response:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzKQLmk2lCY

In 2010, Moroccan parliament hosted a music festival featuring Elton John that proved controversial because he is a gay man and an advocate for LGBT rights. “We categorically reject the appearance of this singer because there is a risk of encouraging homosexuality in Morocco,” said Mustapha Ramid, an Islamist opposition party leader in News 24, a South African news article. The organization sent a request to parliament to ban the singer from performing in the festival, claiming the problem was “not with the singer himself but the image he has in society.” In an article published in Morocco Newsline, Ramid states, “Morocco is an Islamic state where stages should not be used to allow a person with such a degree of debauchery to perform because we have to shield the young from such influences.” In response, the Moroccan government refused to ban Elton John from performing and said, “The private life of a singer is not our business. We do not invite singers and artists after assessing their private lives.” The fact that the Moroccan government chose the singer to perform and stood with their decision marks a shift in homosexuality acceptance within the government. In 2010, there are multiple examples of small steps that were accomplished in regards to homosexuality tolerance and acceptance in the Morocco.

Abdellah Taia holding a copy of his book Salvation Army.
In the book he reveals his sexual orientation and stands
as the first Moroccan writer to come out in public.
source: http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com

A year ago, Abdellah Taia was the first Moroccan writer to come out as a gay individual in Morocco’s history. According to TelQuel, a French news source, Morocco’s most widely circulated newspaper, Al Massae, published their own biased opinion regarding Taia’s announcement, stating, “Taia will burn!” and in one of its columns the publication called for the lynching of the writer. In the TelQuel article, Taia commented on the state of Moroccan society and its acceptance of the LGBT community, “In Morocco, [homosexuality] goes on, but in silence. There was a moment for me when that silence was no longer sufficient. I had to break the taboo, as I speak. Of me.” In an article written by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, the ACLS or Moroccan Association for the Fight Against AIDS director said, “Moroccan homosexuals keep their homosexuality to themselves, and that those who come out are rejected by their friends and family.” In TelQuel’s  article, Taia reveals the backlash he received from his family, “My family, my old friends have preferred to ignore me, for them I was something repaired over time and in any case concealed immediately.” Although it is a step for a Moroccan man to have the courage to come out in the public, it will take time for society to slowly become more accepting to give other LGBT individuals the ability to come forward. In an article published in the Daily Star, a Lebanese news publication, Taia states “Despite some regression in Morocco, over the last 10 years, there have been extraordinary things in terms of declarations of personal freedoms by many parts of Moroccan society.”

Cover of the first Mithly issue published.
Stands as a progressive step towards
homosexual acceptance in Moroccan society.
source: http://anamericaninbrussels.com

The next revolution in the battle for homosexuality acceptance and tolerance in Morocco came in the form of an unlicensed gay magazine based in Morocco titled Mithly. In 2010, this gay interest magazine was the first of its kind to be distributed in Morocco and marked the beginning of homosexuality opening up in the public eye. In an article written by News 24, a gay Moroccan author said, “It seems that something is happening in Morocco that does not exist elsewhere in the Arab world. A new generation… has achieved a certain freedom of expression thanks to the Internet, and this magazine is a result of that freedom.” Although Mithly shows progress for the LGBT community, the Islamist opposition party has taken great efforts to defeat their efforts. News 24 quoted Mustapha Khelfi, editor of Attajdid said, “Propagation and encouragement of homosexuality represents a threat,” in response to Mithly’s establishment in Moroccan society. Writers at Mithly reveal that this is a chance to give homosexuals in the Arab community a voice, but understand that it comes with its challenges. In an article published in Menassat, a Lebanese and Middle Eastern news publication, a Mithly writer reveals his motivation to write for the magazine, “The only thing we can do is add our own voice to the debate in the hope that we will be able to change the homophobic mentality in our country, even if we realize that such a thing is quite impossible in the near future.”

According to Kif Kif, some 5,000 gay men have served jail sentences in Morocco since the country’s independence in 1956. With each step taken by the LGBT community there has been an opposing force fighting back, but looking back from 2007 to today, Morocco has gradually shifted from a closed society to a developing open state. From the government’s refusal to ban Elton John to the emergence of a gay-interest magazine-times are changing in Morocco. The gay community in Morocco recognizes the change, however, they know that change can only happen once the majority of Moroccan society has decided to become more tolerant. According to the article published in Guin Guin Bali, a Western Africa and Macaronesia news organization, Mithly publisher, Samir Bergachi said, “Our enemy is not the regime or the state, but simply the prejudices of a conservative society.”

            

The World's Reaction to Osama Bin Laden's Death

American's celebrating at Ground Zero
upon hearing the news that Osama Bin Laden
 was killed in a U.S. Navy lead raid in Pakistan.
source: Bryan Pace for News from NyDailyNews.com

“The news touched off an extraordinary outpouring of emotion as the crowds gathered outside the White House, in Times Square and at the ground zero site, waving American flags, cheering, shouting, laughing and chanting, “U.S.A., U.S.A.!,” said a New York Times article published the day of Osama Bin Laden’s death. Across the board, western news outlets released article after article glorifying the news, making sure to include American’s nationalism within the first 3-5 paragraphs of their articles. Most articles published from American media organizations took the stance of extreme pride, glory, and fulfillment but at the same time expressed the warning that this is only the beginning of the end. In an Associated Press article, CIA Director Leon Panetta congratulated the [CIA] for its work however cautioned, “Bin Laden is dead. Al-Qaeda is not.” This was a reflection of what multiple American media outlets published, to contrast the positivity and to take a politically correct approach to the situation. Media outlets across the globe took varied approaches in the ways that they chose to cover Osama Bin Laden’s death, some were just as enthralled as the United States, others were impartial and many were critical, revealing a broad spectrum of reporting in a diverse world.

El Universal, a Mexican news organization published an article that was extremely positive and appeared to be dipping in the dangerous waters of propaganda. In article discussing the “world’s most wanted terrorist”, they stated, “This death and the leadership shown by the president in his extraordinary speech announcing the death of Osama, Obama will probably be re-elected in the United States.” This article is not listed as an opinion column and reflects how closely opinion is intertwined with the news in other countries. Mexican media took a very positive approach to the famous death and even published articles for example, from the outlet The News, solely devoted to the concept of how this will have a positive effect on the economy. The positive response to Bin Laden’s death was not only seen in regions geographically close to the United States, but around the world as well.

Thai news media outlet, the Bangkok Post, released an article in response to the terrorist’s death stating, “The killing of Osama bin Laden by an elite US military team is a singular achievement in the long fight against terrorism that affects the world. His death could help bring justice to thousands and closure to millions.” The article even goes on to refer to Bin Laden’s followers as “evil associates.” This language reveals how supportive the region is of the operation and puts the United States military on a pedestal. However, Thailand’s news coverage differed from Mexico’s because they also had many articles focusing on Thailand’s internal security and safety. The Bangkok Post published several articles with headlines such as “No Bin Laden Backlash Here” or “City Hall Refines Anti-Terrorist Plan” demonstrating how strong internal efforts were to instill calm on the Thai people and to promote an overall positive and controlled situation. Thailand was not the only country to focus on the internal effects of the death, it was seen in numerous reports within the international community.

United States military helicopter that crashed during the
Osama Bin Laden raid. This represents the first contact
that American's had on Pakistan soil.
source: Feratri

Pakistani media approached the event with a very critical standpoint, starting with their own country. In an article in the Pakistani newspaper The Frontier Post, stated, “The killing of Osama Bin Laden inside Pakistan has brought to fore some stark realities. First the invasion of airspace, then the landing of American boots on Pakistan soil, any doubts about the role that Pakistan has in its relationship with its favorite ally have been removed.” This response parallels the reaction of the Pakistani people and government upon hearing the news with the rest of the world. Their coverage was very different than other media outlets in the international community due to the fact that the American operation took place on Pakistani soil and this opened up a new conversation. In other regions, many media outlets did not report on why Pakistan’s government was not involved and did not bring up the core issues that make up the “why” and “how” elements of the event. Although Pakistani media took a more analytical approach, other countries left any sense of being “unbiased” out the window and charged right into attacking the United States’ actions as a result of Osama Bin Laden’s death.

The Iranian news outlet IRNA (Islamic Republic News Agency), published a report that claimed to represent all American viewpoints but stands extremely inaccurate and misrepresented. They interviewed 75 Americans at the Manhattan World Trade Center site when the news of Bin Laden’s death came out and reported that Obama was more focused on finding Osama Bin Laden than jobs or the economy. It said that they people believed that their welfare was not a priority before the capture of Osama Bin Laden was complete. These results were published as an attempt to depict the president in a bad light and represent the bias that media outlets can get away with due to the politics and government in the region.

Moroccans protesting against Osama Bin Laden's Death.
These people claim that he is their hero and martyr.
source: Al Arabiya Article

Moroccan news coverage of the much-publicized death was very critical of the United States and featured much speculation. An article from Al Arabiya News, a Moroccan news source states, “If Al-Qaeda suffered a major loss with the death of Osama Bin Laden, so did its nemesis: the vast governmental anti-terrorism bureaucracies and the sprawling private sector that has mushroomed around it.” This article is not listed under opinion, but clearly reveals the opinion of the author in the piece. Al Arabiya’s approach to Osama Bin Laden’s death was unique in the sense that it offered a very different and critical perspective that is not seen in any of the news across the world in the reporting of this event.

Osama Bin Laden taking a moment of silence at the memorial
honoring 9-11 victims. Many countries are not happy with
President Obama and the fact that they
killed Osama Bin Laden.
source: USA TODAY article

A South African news source, IOL News quoted the secretary of the Young Communist League in an article titled Osama’s Death Exposes U.S. Brutality stating, “The killing of Bin Laden was an eye-opener to the brutality of the United States.” In addition the secretary went on to say “[the U.S.] is nothing but invaders and their anti-terrorism campaign is the greatest cover-up of their own terrorism.” Due to the fact that the publication even published these quotes and wrote the headline in the way that they did reveals the high skepticism and criticism South African media has in regards to the United State’s Osama Bin Laden kill. This was one of the most biased publications that I came across and exemplifies how easily one event can be manipulated and reported on to produce any type of biased content you wish to feed to the public.

It is evident that news can be easily manipulated, tossed around, and funneled into an entirely different story. Each country has their own perspective and way of reporting to get the message that they see out to the public through their own cognitive lens. Comparing and contrasting all of the countries and then coming full circle and looking at our own it is hard not to ignore the bias. To our media, Osama Bin Laden’s death was a victorious triumph and a glorious celebration, whereas to other countries, it was a major security threat or trespass of human rights. It was interesting to see how easily we can absorb all of the information in our news without thinking twice about it. This exercise clearly shows how diverse our world is and how something that seems like straightforward news can be broken into bits and pieces and analyzed from multiple angles.

Note: The IOL News page would not load but I included the cache link from google. I believe the article might have been taken down due to the nature if the discussion. I printed it out when I viewed it if you would like to see it if it does not load from the link.

Moroccan Video

http://vimeo.com/15980254


Mike Matas and his girlfriend traveled through Morocco and truly captured the essence of everyday life in the region. He took 4,000 photos and compiled it into one two minute video clip. 


http://vimeo.com/22719272


Moroccan tourist company hired a film production company to compile a video of Moroccan life. This clip has diverse shots and varying landscape that adds depth to the piece.

Morocco's Take on Osama Bin Laden's Death

Article from Al Arabiya News, a Moroccan news source on Bin Laden's death: http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/05/02/147534.html

Moroccan-American perspective on the death:
http://riadzany.blogspot.com/2011/05/osama-bin-laden-dead-reaction-in.html

Very different take on the Al-Qaeda and American Homeland Security:
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/05/04/147784.html

Article from MoroccoBoard.com, a Moroccan-American "News" Source:
http://www.moroccoboard.com/viewpoint/60-ahmed-tb/5219-osama-bin-laden-is-dead-so-what

Article on Al-Qaeda connected bombing in Morocco:
http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/05/06/147987.html

Americans Take on Morocco: A Fuzzy Perception of Reality

Image of the Madrid Train Bombing of 2004 which was planned by a group of Moroccan terrorist extremists. Reveals that terrorism roots exist in other regions of the globe besides the Middle East.
Source: http://tomdiaz.wordpress.com/2009/09/20/the-case-against-terror-suspect-najibullah-zazi-fbi-affidavit-reveals-elegant-work/madrid-bombing-large-01-2/

I knew setting out on the task that the results wouldn’t be pretty. I figured names would be butchered, maybe a few who couldn’t recall an event from the past century but little did I know the true extent of the American public’s knowledge of Morocco.

Deciding to ease the interviewee in to the questions, I asked what to me, seemed like a fairly simple question, “What continent is Morocco located in?” Two out of the seven students of which I interviewed were able to correctly state Morocco’s continental location. I received a multitude of answers ranging from China, to and island or simply “I don’t know.” An animal science sophomore said, “I feel like it’s a city, I have no idea.” Many were flabbergasted and embarrassed, searching my eyes for a hint or answer or even staring out in to the crowd in hopes of a glimpse at a map. Although 29 percent were able to answer the correct continental location of Morocco, no one was able to name the capital of the region. It is clear that Americans are not comfortable with the concept of geography and have little perspective of other countries outside of the United States

One of the most interesting and thought provoking questions I brought forth was, “What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Morocco?” this question captured a raw glimpse of the imagination and interworking of the American mind. I received an astonishingly diverse array of answers vague enough, that they could describe various regions around the globe. A freshman electrical engineering student stated that the first thing that came to his mind was simply rocks. One student freely spoke her mind and said, “I feel like its and Indian country, Indiana Jones, vibrant colors, I’m thinking Bollywood.” Overall, students truly did not have a grasp on any idea of what Morocco could be like and some tried to play it safe by saying, “its not in the west but the east” or “really hot weather.” Overall, the answers received were not specific enough to reveal a concrete understanding of the country as a whole.

In the next part of the interview I decided to if they could name any event that happened in or involving Morocco within the past 100 years. Every time I proceeded to ask this question I was given the same response over again, “I can’t think of anything.” These were the words that began to make the situation very clear, that we Americans really can’t think of anything because we haven’t taken the time or even cared to think of anything but us, ironically, the U.S. Is the acronym a convenient coincidence or a simple truth right in front of us? Why can’t we think of anything that has to do with Morocco, not one single event? Is it because we don’t have access to information or is it just that the want to know isn’t there? I believe it’s a combination of both and it is contributing to the United States’ growing population of people who are more informed about their favorite celebrity’s last tweet than about the youth riots for democracy in Morocco. There is an ever-widening gap between America and the international community due to the simple fact that we don’t care. We chose not to inform ourselves about what is happening outside of us or U.S. and then we vote but cannot make fully reasoned decisions because we simply haven’t cared all along for when it matters at the ballot box.

Moroccans protesting for a democratic government in place of their monarchial system. Many people are not even aware that Moroccans are currently protesting. The reason tthey are holding generally peaceful gatherings which is not something American news media outlets tend to give coverage time to.
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476604576157613018552154.html

At the conclusion of the interview, around 57 percent thought that Morocco had a democratic government. It was interesting to see how quickly they responded that Morocco was democratic, almost as though it were a given, when in fact, Morocco has a monarchial government. When I asked the respondents if they could name any events that are happening currently in Morocco they could not name any, however the people are currently protesting for a democracy. Many of us are quick to assume that everyone else is living parallel to us and we can’t grasp that the world is completely different than our bubble of life.

Moroccans protesting in the streets for a new democratic government. The protests are failing to receive much international news attention, however this is news that needs to be delivered to the people. Democracy is a hot button issue and has divided the country over its conflict in values with Islam.
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476604576157613018552154.html

It is critical that Americans understand that international news is in fact important because we are a world of global networks and communication. For example, the Madrid Train Bombing of 2004 was planned and executed by Jamal Zougam and Jamal Ahmidan, two Moroccan men, along with the help from a group of other Moroccan men. Events like these impact the world and can have lasting effects on a region and international community for an entire generation. Not knowing that there are extremist terrorist groups in other countries besides Iraq and Afghanistan is a major hurdle that Americans must overcome. Only until we come to terms with the reality of what is happening in global news, can we make more informed decisions and take a step towards a more interconnected and understanding world.

Image of Moroccan and American flag meshed to form a globe. This was taken from a Moroccan-American Community Television Vimeo site. They strive to inform the public about issues that are facing Moroccans today and work with the United States government and its relationship with Morocco. Reveals that there are outlets to connect the American public to Moroccans and are easily accessible through Vimeo.
Source: http://vimeo.com/moroccoboardtv

Interviews:

(Didn't include in word count)

1. Amy Leung, Female, 19, business sophomore

2. Jaime Serrano, Male, 18, aerospace engineering freshman

3. Nichole Jones, Female, 18, biology freshman

4. Nathan Brink, Male, 19, material engineering sophomore

5. Bradley Zeller, Male, 21, business junior

6. Scott Chau, Male, 18, electrical engineering freshman

7. Liz Schteiden, Female, 19, animal science sophomore

8. Kelly Cannon, Female, 20, nutrition sophomore

9. Sheri Kitta, Female, 47

10. Pat Banse, Female, 72

11. Jonathan Tipton-King, 20

Twitter and Website Assignment

News Site: The Japan Times

Publication's Mission Statement:

-Only independent English-Language newspaper in Japan.

-Seeks to inform not only Japanese citizens but international readers.

-Strives to provide an impartial standpoint and to deliver hard news stories.

-Separate earthquake coverage page

-Entire earthquake section with breakdown of Earthquake news and a separate category for the nuclear power plant/radiation issues.

-Not laden with images. News site sticks with news article links and headlines.

Interesting article on kids lunches and bento boxes in japan.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fs20110407a3.html

Twitter Site: http://twitter.com/#!/JapanToday

Japan Today

Japan Today website: http://www.japantoday.com/

Link to Twitter post regarding public opinion

Link to TwitPic

Link to Technology Tweet

Family in Morocco: The Issue of Moudawana

Moroccan women protest in the streets for equality on National Women's Day in Morocco.
Morocco Soulaliyate Women Protest © ADFM

            

          When King Mohammed IV first came to power by default due to the monarchial system in 1999, he immediately addressed women’s rights in the region by the introduction of Moudawana or Family Code, sparking a two-sided response. 

           In an article published in The New York Times, titled “Moroccans and Women: Two Rallies,” Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of two Moroccan cities in rival demonstrations over a government plan that would grant more rights to women. Women’s rights groups, as well as human rights groups marched in support of the progressive women’s rights reform because it has the opportunity to open doors for women like never before. However, there was an even larger opposition march that felt these institutional reforms went against the values of Islam. According to the article, traditional Islamic protestors chanted as they marched, “We defend Islam with our bodies and souls.” Clearly, this issue strikes a deep divide among the Moroccan people due to its controversial ties to Islam and the concept that it is democratized change.

            Moudawana gives women equal legal rights as men in marriage as well as allowing women to request a divorce. In addition, it raises the legal age to marry from 15 to 18 and gives the first wives of men the right to object to their husband’s request if he wishes to elope with a second wife. The new law also legitimizes divorce and makes it a legal procedure involving both couples, and removes the traditional way of divorce by which a man merely hands a woman a letter. Moudawana reflects the current shift in Moroccans’ desires and demonstrates how many are looking for a more democratized country for the future.

            Since the time that the reform has been implemented into the government, Moroccan women are not satisfied with its results. In a Magharebia article, titled “Moroccans Assess Moudawana Progress”, it is clear that women are not receiving the full benefits of “freedom” and are not receiving the “rights” they were promised. One young woman, Halima, said, “[My husband] submitted a false certificate of single status. What can I do now? Start proceedings against him, accusing him of falsifying an official document?” This young woman does not have enough financial resources to afford to go to court.

            In an article titled, “Family Law in Morocco” by Dr. Mounira Maya Charrad in 2008 states, “The issue now is to see how the reforms are implemented not only for the educated middle class but also in rural areas and among less privileged groups. Only the future will tell how successful the application of the new family law is for the majority of Moroccan women.” Charrad’s point rings loud and clear and stems as the warning bell for what is currently happening in Morocco and demonstrates how women’s rights needs to be enforced in order to be effective.

Moroccan women protest for the right to make their own decisions as individuals. Striving to voice the message that they are equals and that they are capable of making their own decisions.
The Contrarian

Additional Sources:

"Family Code Gets Nudge, but Women Seek a Push"

"Morocco's full commitment to democracy highlighted at 16th Human Rights Council"