Gay Guide Caribbean - Dominican Republic

The legislation of the Dominican Republic makes no distinction between homosexual and heterosexual acts if people involved have reached the age of consent. However, Article 330 of the Criminal Code provides for a sentence of up to two years imprisonment for "any offence against decency and moral conduct on public streets". It is therefore not advisable to show too much affection in public, even if this law is rarely applied. The ban on same-sex marriage is enshrined in the constitution, and there is also no legal protection for members of the queer community against harassment or discrimination. As in many Spanish-speaking Catholic countries, much of the discrimination and exclusion takes place instead between different social classes. A large percentage of the male population seems to be bisexual. Many gay men live a double life, partly out of consideration for their families and partly because of the general attitude towards homosexuality. According to the AmericasBarometer from 2017, 27% of the population supports the equality of marriage. In Santo Domingo, a small but nevertheless interesting gay scene has now developed, with several venues that are well worth visiting.