Queer ISA network launch in Rabat ignites cultural and religious backlash

Sunday 06 July 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Queer ISA network launch in Rabat ignites cultural and religious backlash

The International Sociological Association (ISA) has announced the establishment of a new internal initiative, the Queer ISA Network (QISA), aimed at supporting queer members within the organization. The launch coincides with the Fifth ISA Sociology Forum, held from July 6 to 11 at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.

ISA described QISA as “a shared space for collaboration, mutual support, and academic inclusivity,” designed to connect members across research committees and generations. While the initiative reflects ISA's commitment to diversity and inclusivity, it has sparked widespread criticism in Morocco, where many argue it conflicts with the country’s Islamic and conservative cultural values.

The network’s inaugural meeting is set to take place during the forum, though ISA has not disclosed its exact location publicly, sharing details only with interested participants. The announcement was initially made through a now-deleted post on ISA’s official Facebook page.

Backlash in Morocco

The QISA network’s launch has drawn strong opposition from Moroccan citizens and scholars, many of whom view the initiative as a challenge to the nation’s deeply rooted cultural and religious principles. Critics argue that Rabat’s role as host city for the forum should uphold Morocco's values and reflect its commitment to traditional social norms.

This controversy follows another decision by ISA that has sparked political debate: the suspension of the Israeli Sociological Association's membership in response to what ISA described as “Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza.” In a statement leading up to the forum, ISA condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and reaffirmed its opposition to military occupation in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.

Local boycotts and protests

The inclusion of Israeli representatives in prior ISA events has already provoked backlash in Morocco. A group of Moroccan sociologists announced their boycott of the Rabat forum, condemning the participation of Israeli delegates. In a joint statement, these scholars criticized ISA for failing to align the event with Morocco’s support for the Palestinian cause.

The ISA, founded in 1949 under UNESCO’s auspices, is a prominent global organization in the field of sociology. It holds NGO consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is a member of the International Science Council.

While the QISA initiative seeks to foster inclusivity within the academic sphere, its unveiling in Morocco has highlighted the tension between international advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and local cultural norms, underscoring the challenges of navigating global diversity in a deeply traditional society.