A prominent Moroccan feminist activist has been arrested and is reportedly facing threats of violence, including stoning, after wearing a T-shirt bearing the phrase “Allah is a Lesbian.” The incident has sparked international outrage and renewed debate over freedom of expression, religious sensitivities, and women's rights in the region.
The activist, whose identity is being withheld for safety reasons, was detained earlier this week in Casablanca following a public demonstration advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. Authorities cited charges of “offending religious sentiments” and “inciting public disorder,” according to local media reports.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the arrest and the threats made against the activist, calling for her immediate release and protection from harm.
“No one should face violence or imprisonment for expressing their beliefs, even if those beliefs challenge dominant cultural or religious norms,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “This case highlights the urgent need for legal reforms that safeguard freedom of speech and protect marginalized voices.”
The phrase on the T-shirt, while provocative, was intended as a symbolic critique of patriarchal interpretations of religion, according to supporters of the activist. Critics, however, argue that it constitutes blasphemy and an affront to Islamic values.
Morocco’s penal code criminalizes acts deemed offensive to Islam, and past cases have shown that such charges can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment. The activist’s legal team is preparing to challenge the charges on constitutional and human rights grounds.