Assouli deplored that the relevant article proclaims to defend family values, but does not uphold the rights of women. Under Moroccan law, rape is punishable by five to 10 years in prison, rising to between 10 and 20 years if the victim is a minor. In some societies, the loss of a womans virginity outside of marriage is considered a dishonor to her family, and arrangements are often made for rape victims to marry their attackers.

Proposed constitutional reforms in Morocco include moves to boost womens rights. A government study last year found that about a quarter of Moroccan women have been sexually assaulted at least once in their lives.