LGBTQ+ Safety — Dominican Republic
What travelers need to know about lgbtq+ safety in Dominican Republic. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
LGBTQ+ Safety in Dominican Republic: what every traveler should know.
Same-sex relationships are not a crime in the Dominican Republic - there is no law against them. But that is where it stops. The Constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman, so a same-sex marriage from home is not recognised here. Sexual orientation is not listed as a protected ground in the Constitution and no national anti-discrimination law covering it was found, so assume you have no legal recourse if a hotel or business turns you away. Both the US and UK governments warn that public displays of affection can draw unwanted negative attention.
§ UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - "Dominican Republic travel advice: Safety and security", section "LGBT+ travellers". Stamped "Still current at: 31 August 2026", "Updated: 7 August 2026". Also read: US Department of State Dominican Republic country information, "Gay and lesbian travelers"; Constitucion de la Republica Dominicana 2024, Gaceta Oficial No. 11170, arts. 39 and 55 (cdn.bancentral.gov.do); Constitucion 2015 art. 55 cross-check (presidencia.gob.do).