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Is gay marriage legal in dominican republic

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The Constitution states that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and this was enforced again in the 2010 revision of the Constitution.

The first Gay Pride parade was held in Gay Santo Domingo on July 1, 2001. If you’re a member of the LGBT community, keep a low profile in public, avoid engaging in public displays of affection, and take necessary safety precautions during your stay.

Be aware that the legal and social situation for LGBT individuals can change quickly and may differ from one region to another.

Since then, various organizations have formed to raise awareness and promote LGBT rights in the country. The former president of the Supreme Court of Justice and the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Jorge Subero Isa says same-sex people can acquire the same rights as married couples through a legally-binding contractual agreement.

On the other hand, the Dominican Republic is known for its tourism industry, and tourists generally enjoy a more relaxed attitude towards LGBT rights.

Nevertheless, it is important for both locals and tourists to remain vigilant and cautious. How we are going to handle the assets. The international community should also continue to advocate for LGBT rights and maintain pressure on the Dominican Republic to make inclusive changes.

For tourists and locals alike, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and be aware of local situations.

Although homosexuality is legal, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is not comprehensively addressed by the law.

The Dominican Constitution (Art. It is essential to reach out and connect with local LGBT communities and organizations, as they can provide up-to-date information, support, and resources.

While consensual same-sex sexual acts have been legal since 1822, there is still a long way to go in terms of full legal protection and societal acceptance. The situation for local LGBT Dominicans continues to be challenging with routine discrimination and violence. It is essential to remain vigilant, as there are always bad actors in every country who may pose a threat to LGBT individuals or tourists who support their rights.

There are ongoing legal and social battles in the country, as activists and organizations are fighting for the rights of LGBTI+ people.

On the other hand, LGBT tourists might experience a relatively more accepting environment in the tourism industry and popular tourist areas.

Moving forward, to improve the overall treatment of LGBT individuals in the Dominican Republic, both government and society need to take actionable steps.

LGBT employment discrimination in Dominican Republic

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LGBT employment discrimination in Dominican Republic is no protections.

Current status

Intersex infant surgery in Dominican Republic

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Intersex infant surgery in Dominican Republic is not banned.

Serving openly in military in Dominican Republic

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Serving openly in military in Dominican Republic is legal.

Current status
In November 2025, the Constitutional Court issued Judgment TC/1225/25, ending a ban that criminalized same-sex conduct within the country’s police department and its armed forces, which struck down articles in the Armed Forces and National Police codes that criminalized same-sex conduct (historically labeled as "sodomy").

In Judgment TC/1225/25, the court held that article 210 of the Code of Justice of the National Police and article 260 of the Code of Justice of the Armed Forces violate constitutional guarantees to nondiscrimination, privacy, free development of personality, and the right to work.
In 2012 the newspaper El Caribe cited the Minister of the Armed Forces as saying that "presence of homosexuals in their ranks" was prohibited by law.

Blood donations by MSMs in Dominican Republic

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Blood donations by MSMs in Dominican Republic is legal.

The Domincian Red Cross does not seem to serve any indication that donation for homosexuals can be a problem.

A provision states on the webpage “Prevent and alleviate human suffering, improving the situation of the most vulnerable people, with absolute impartiality and without discrimination of race, nationality, sex, social class, religion or political opinion.”

LGBT Rights by Province

View the LGBT laws in each individual province of Dominican Republic.

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Stay vigilant, exercise caution, and prioritize safety to ensure a positive experience in the Dominican Republic.

The Future For The Queer Community In The Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has made progress in recent years with regard to the rights of the LGBT community.

That said, it is crucial to report any incidents to local authorities and seek legal support when necessary.

Remember, situations can change rapidly, and information may become outdated. In order to protect oneself, both locals and tourists can stay informed about the evolving situation, connect with supportive networks, and exercise caution in public spaces.

It is essential to be aware of these limitations and take necessary precautions to protect yourself.

For tourists visiting the Dominican Republic, it is important to research the specific area you plan to visit and understand the local attitudes towards the LGBT community.

As a result, LGBT individuals in the country face legal and social challenges that are not experienced by their heterosexual counterparts.

Regardless of the location, maintaining discretion and a low profile is advisable to avoid any potential harassment or conflicts.

Local LGBT individuals may face even more significant challenges, including violence and discrimination, as their rights are limited. The Dominican Republic does not provide comprehensive legal protections for the LGBT community, and sexual orientation is not explicitly protected under the law.

Additionally there are reports of censorship around other issues but not LGBT issues.

Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Dominican Republic

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Legal recognition of non-binary gender in Dominican Republic is not legally recognized.

LGBT discrimination in Dominican Republic

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LGBT discrimination in Dominican Republic is illegal in some contexts.

Current status
No law offers protection based on "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in broad terms.

is gay marriage legal in dominican republic

While progress is being made, it is essential to understand that the environment can change rapidly, and as with any country, there may be potentially harmful individuals or groups. In the words of Subero Isa: “If we call it marriage, there are problems.”

Read more in Spanish:
Noticias SIN

6 June 2024

Recent studies in Dominican Republic show a discernible level of opposition to LGBTQ+ rights among the population.

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History

Homosexual activity in Dominican Republic

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Censorship of LGBT issues in Dominican Republic

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Censorship of LGBT issues in Dominican Republic is no censorship.

In the Dominican Republic, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics however there are reports of some laws being overly-enforced on LGBT rights activists.

Judges and the public ministry must take into account the particular conditions of the persons and the case, but they cannot base their decisions on nationality, gender, race, creed or religion, political ideas, sexual orientation, economic or social position or any other condition with discriminatory implications.

In July 2024, the Chamber of Deputies approved in its first reading a Bill on a new Penal Code of the Dominican Republic (2024), after the Senate also voted in its favour in a second reading.

However, the 2010 Dominican Republic constitution includes a prohibition on same-sex marriage, defining the family as being based on the core relationship between a man and a woman.

While homosexuality is legally recognized, local LGBT individuals may still face discrimination in some aspects of life, such as housing and employment.