Homosexuality and Law: An Alphabet -- Dominican Republic

  Dominican Republic, Caribbean

Homosexuality in the Dominican Republic is legal, by national law. The age of consent is equalized regardless of sexual orientation to 18. Still, major discrimination against LGBT folks is rampant.

This is mainly caused by the powerful influence of the Roman Catholic Church in the country's secular affairs.

Although homosexuality is not generally accepted, it is protected by law.  Hate crimes are rare because existing law requires prosecution.  Nevertheless, requests to assemble, march, or demonstrate as a group are routinely denied by local or national authorities.

It is also widely believed that all homosexuals are pedophiles, and a danger to morality.

Dominican Gaga