Dominican Republic court strikes down gay sex ban in the police and armed forceshttps://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/dominican-republic-court-strikes-gay-sex-ban-police-127723781 🔗ABC News - MARTÍN ADAMES Associated Press
November 20, 2025, 12:10 PM
The Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic has issued a landmark ruling ending a ban that criminalized same-sex conduct within the country's police department and its armed forces.
Human rights activists praised the ruling on Thursday, saying it was long overdue.
"No one should be discriminated against, not only within the ranks of the police and the armed forces, but in general," said Manuel Meccariello, director of the Human Rights Observatory for Vulnerable Groups.
However, he said that the ruling does not mean police officers or soldiers would be allowed to engage in romantic relationships at work; they must comply with labor regulations like all other members.
Human Rights Watch said Thursday that it was part of the case and had argued that the criminalization of same-sex conduct violates international standards.
Police officers could face up to two years in prison and those in the Armed Forces one year under the ban.
"For decades, these provisions forced LGBT officers to live in fear of punishment simply for who they are," said Cristian González Cabrera, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Human Rights Watch said other countries in the region have taken similar steps, including Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela.-----------------------
