Moroccan human rights minister calls homosexuals ‘scum’

The Moroccan Minister for Human Rights, Mustapha Ramid, has received criticism, after he called homosexuals “scum” last month.

Yesterday he refused to take back his words, justifying that his remarks were against homosexuality itself, rather than homosexual people.

So not much better then.

He first made the remarks after a meeting on torture prevention, when a journalist asked him for comment on the treatment of homosexuals in Morocco

“Why are you asking me about homosexuality too?” Ramid asked.

Trying to dismiss the journalist he continued “this is too much. Too much. It’s a shame that homosexuality has a value now. Why is everyone asking me about it?”

He then described homosexuals with the insulting Arabic word “Awsakh,” which translates to trash, dirt, or scum.

Ironically, this week, a museum devoted to Yves Saint Laurent, will be opened in Marrakesh, where the gay fashion designer did some of his most famous work.

After being criticised by many public figures and organisations Ramid made a long post on his Facebook page last night, attempting to justify his comments.

He argued that, as homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, his remarks should not be held to the standards of leaders in “Europe.”

A Moroccan activist wear the number 489, referencing article 489 which criminalises homosexuality (FADEL SENNA/AFP/Getty Images)

He then tried to argue he was referring to the act of homosexuality, rather than homosexual people.

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