Activist detained for wearing "God is a Lesbian" garment - Activist detained for donning a top bearing the phrase "Allah is a lesbian"
Moroccan Activist Faces Blasphemy Charges for LGBTQ Advocacy
In a controversial turn of events, Ibtissame "Betty" Lachgar, a prominent feminist and LGBTQ+ rights activist in Morocco, was arrested in August 2025. The arrest was due to a post she made on Facebook, where she wore a T-shirt with the inscription "Allah is lesbian" and made statements that Islam is fascist and misogynistic.
The Moroccan penal code considers online platforms as public spaces for the purpose of the charge of religious insult. Morocco's blasphemy laws criminalize public insults to Islam, with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to 500,000 dirhams (about $136,000) if the offense is committed publicly or via electronic media. These laws also cover insults to the monarchy and incitement against territorial integrity.
Lachgar, who co-founded the Alternative Movement for Individual Liberties (MALI), has a history of provocative activism challenging religious and social taboos in Morocco. Her arrest sparked condemnation from fellow activists who, while not necessarily agreeing with her views, warned against censorship and erosion of freedom of expression in the country.
The public prosecutor will decide on the further prosecution of Lachgar after pre-trial detention, which can last up to 48 hours. The arrest follows an investigation "in accordance with the law." If the "insult" occurs in a public space or through electronic means of dissemination, the penalty can be up to five years in prison.
The charge of religious insult in Morocco carries a prison sentence of six months to two years, as well as a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 dirhams (around 2,000 to 20,000 euros). The post sparked strong reactions on online platforms, including threats of rape, death, and calls for her arrest, some of which led to her arrest.
Lachgar, who is known for her advocacy for LGBTQ rights, posted a photo on online platforms wearing a T-shirt with the inscription "Allah is lesbian." The post was made on Facebook, and Lachgar reported receiving threats for days. The accusations include insulting the Islamic religion.
The case has raised concerns about restrictions on freedom of speech and expression in Morocco regarding religious critique. The arrest exemplifies the enforcement of these laws against religious insults, particularly when intersecting with advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and secularism.
[1] Human Rights Watch. (2025). Morocco: Activist Arrested for 'Blasphemy'. [online] Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/01/morocco-activist-arrested-blasphemy
[2] Amnesty International. (2025). Morocco: Release LGBTQ+ Activist Ibtissame Lachgar. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/08/morocco-release-lgbtq-activist-ibtissame-lachgar/
[3] Reporters Without Borders. (2025). Morocco: Arrest of Feminist Activist Ibtissame Lachgar. [online] Available at: https://rsf.org/en/news/morocco-arrest-feminist-activist-ibtissame-lachgar
[4] Committee to Protect Journalists. (2025). Morocco: Charge Feminist Activist Ibtissame Lachgar with Blasphemy. [online] Available at: https://cpj.org/2025/08/morocco-charge-feminist-activist-ibtissame-lachgar-with-blasphemy/
[5] The Guardian. (2025). Moroccan Feminist Activist Ibtissame Lachgar Arrested for 'Blasphemy'. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/01/moroccan-feminist-activist-ibtissame-lachgar-arrested-for-blasphemy
- The community policy and general-news websites reported on the arrest of Moroccan LGBTQ+ activist Ibtissame Lachgar, who faces blasphemy charges for her advocacy and provocative activism that intersects with religious critique and secularism.
- Amnesty International published a statement urging the Moroccan authorities to drop the employment policy charges against Lachgar, emphasizing the implications of her arrest on freedom of expression and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Morocco.
- Social-media platforms have been abuzz with discussions surrounding Lachgar's arrest, particularly concerning the enforcement of Morocco's blasphemy laws and the erosion of freedom of speech, as well as the implications for entertainment and politics in the country.
