Riyad owner Younes Mendris warned that recent statements by hoteliers about accepting unmarried couples are “personal opinions” and not reflective of the legal reality.
The recent reported decision to no longer require couples to present marriage certificates when checking into hotels has sparked a heated debate across Morocco. While many welcomed the move as a step towards more personal freedom and privacy, others see it as a challenge to traditional values and social norms. Reportedly, security services have given verbal guidelines to hotels to end the requirement for showing marriage contracts. This comes days after Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi contested the practice. The change also allows women access to accommodation regardless of their residence, whereas previously, those with an address in the same city as the hotel were denied accommodation.
Supporters of the change argued that individuals should not be required to present marriage certificates or be denied accommodation simply because they live in the same city as the establishment. A Moroccan social media user described the change as “great news for the country,” emphasizing that it is a matter of personal freedom and privacy. Another user on X, formerly Twitter, said: “Good news, let’s hope this expands across all of Morocco…we no longer live in the 1970s.”
However, many were unhappy with the decision. Opponents argued that lifting the ban undermines Moroccan social values and goes against Islamic teachings. “We live in an Islamic and not a liberal country! May Allah guide his people,” said a social media user on X. Others warned that the decision opens the door to behavior that goes against Moroccan norms and encourages adultery. Meanwhile, others advocated for women’s right to access accommodation without discrimination but expressed concerns about allowing unmarried couples without marriage certificates to stay.
“A woman being allowed to stay alone in the hotel should not be banned. However, couples without marriage certificates is another story,” said another user.
No official legislation
Younes Mendris, a Riyad owner from Fez, provided a detailed perspective on the controversy. He said that recent statements by hoteliers about accepting unmarried couples are “personal opinions” and not reflective of the legal reality. “Only the legislator has the authority to criminalize or allow such practices through official legislative channels.” He warned of potential legal consequences for hoteliers if problems arise with unmarried couples, such as death or criminal activities. He emphasized the importance of clear legal guidelines before implementing changes in hotel policy. “In the meantime, it is wise to wait for explicit legal or ministerial guidelines on the issue. After the recent statement by the Minister of Justice, he was immediately summoned by the legislative committee for an urgent discussion. Until then, caution is advised,” said the Riyad owner. Regarding the refusal of female clients with the same address as the hotel, he said that “there is no law or decree on this issue.” “It has simply been a customary practice of hoteliers without a legal basis. On the contrary, customers have the right to file complaints against hotels if they are refused despite having a reservation. Hotels are public places with duties and obligations to uphold,” emphasized Mendris. He recounted a case where a woman was refused a hotel after a quarrel with her husband due to her local address and was subsequently robbed on the street. She sued the hotel and won the case, he said, pointing out the legal expectation for hotels to provide accommodation without discrimination based on residence.
MOROCCO WORLD NEWS
Add comment