Article 489 of the Moroccan Penal Code criminalises same-sex relations — punishable by 6 months to 3 years imprisonment. Enforcement is inconsistent and tends to target Moroccan nationals more than foreign tourists, but the legal risk is real.

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy where the king retains significant executive power. Press freedom is restricted — journalists covering the Western Sahara conflict or criticising the monarchy face prosecution. The Hirak Rif movement saw hundreds imprisoned for peaceful protest.

Women's rights in Morocco have improved (2004 family code reforms) but significant gaps remain. Premarital sex and pregnancy outside marriage are criminalised — these laws affect women disproportionately. Abortion is legal only when the mother's health is at risk. Women's participation in urban economic life is growing.

Morocco's legal system has a civil law foundation with Islamic law elements. The penal code contains provisions — against 'undermining the monarchy', blasphemy, homosexuality — that would not exist in democratic societies. Morocco scores 0.48 on the WJP Rule of Law Index (91st of 143).

Child labour is a documented issue in Morocco, particularly in domestic work (young girls working as domestic servants, often from rural areas), agriculture, and informal artisan workshops. The craft goods sold in tourist markets can involve child labour in their production chains.