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Town in Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

Is Essaouira LGBTQ+ friendly?

Updated October 2026Sources
2/5Hostile

Is Essaouira LGBTQ+ friendly?

Sex between men is illegal (up to three years) and arrests happen, but discreet visitors rarely have trouble. Avoid public affection and be careful with dating apps. The town is artsy and relaxed, but still discreet.

LGBTQ+ laws in Morocco

Arrests happen, often after public affection or dating-app entrapment; discreet travellers usually have no trouble, but online outing campaigns have occurred.

Status
Same-sex relationships legalNo
Same-sex marriageNo
Civil unions or partnershipsNo
Legal gender changeNo
Anti-discrimination lawNo
Legal penaltySix months to three years in prison and a fine (Article 489)

LGBTQ+ friendliness across Morocco

PlaceRating
Marrakech2/5 · Hostile
Fes2/5 · Hostile
Chefchaouen2/5 · Hostile
Casablanca2/5 · Hostile
Essaouira2/5 · Hostile
Tangier2/5 · Hostile
Agadir2/5 · Hostile
Taghazout2/5 · Hostile
Merzouga2/5 · Hostile
Rabat2/5 · Hostile
Ouarzazate2/5 · Hostile
Imlil2/5 · Hostile
Meknes2/5 · Hostile
Asilah2/5 · Hostile

Quick answers

Is Essaouira safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Sex between men is illegal (up to three years) and arrests happen, but discreet visitors rarely have trouble. Avoid public affection and be careful with dating apps. The town is artsy and relaxed, but still discreet.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Morocco?

No.

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Sources

Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.