Gay Guide El Salvador

The age of consent is 18, regardless of sexual orientation. El Salvador's penal code does not contain any stipulation against homosexuality as such. However, there are laws on "moral conduct and good morals" that give judges wide latitude of judgement. New laws have recently been enacted to curb the abuse of minors and street prostitution. In general, the situation of gays in El Salvador is comparable to that of homosexuals in many Western countries. Although they do not enjoy any great sympathy, they are tolerated. This tolerance is particularly noticeable in the larger conurbations. Nevertheless, according to the UNHCR reports of 2008 and 2010, there are reports of frequent violent attacks and blatant hatred. Parliamentary attempts to include a ban on homosexual marriage in the constitution have always failed in recent years because of the opposition party. In 2018, sexual identity was finally included in the anti-discrimination law. Since 1996, a Gay Pride Parade has been held every June. Bisexuality is widespread and in the big cities, transvestites work the streets as prostitutes. Discretion is the order of the day in general. El Salvador, the smallest Latin American country, has a very varied landscape featuring pine forests and palm beaches, impressive volcanoes and crater lakes. Numerous archaeological sites give an insight into pre-Columbian times and life then in remote villages.