LGBT rights in the Dominican Republic | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Status | Legal since 1822[1] |
Discrimination protections | (see below) |
Family rights | |
Restrictions | Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Dominican Republic do not possess the same legal protections as non-LGBT residents, and face social challenges that are not experienced by other people. While the Dominican Criminal Code does not expressly prohibit same-sex sexual relations or cross-dressing, it also does not address discrimination or harassment on the account of sexual orientation or gender identity, nor does it recognize same-sex unions in any form, whether it be marriage or partnerships. Households headed by same-sex couples are also not eligible for any of the same rights given to opposite-sex married couples, as same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned in the country.
A majority of Dominicans affiliate with the Catholic Church. As such, attitudes towards members of the LGBT community tend to reflect prevailing Catholic morals. Support for same-sex marriage was 25% according to a 2013/2014 opinion poll.[2]