Dominican Republic groups seek court ruling on sexual orientation in Penal Code

More than twenty civil society organizations asked the Dominican Republic's Constitutional Court on Wednesday to correct a legislative omission in Article 173 of the new Penal Code. They argue the article sanctions various forms of discrimination but fails to explicitly include sexual orientation. The request was made during a public hearing on a direct unconstitutionality action against Article 173 of Law No. 74-25. The organizations argue the omission creates legal uncertainty for LGBTIQ people, leaving their protection subject to interpretation by prosecutors and judges, despite the article providing for prison sentences and fines for discriminatory acts. The groups, including COLESDOM, cite the Constitution's equality guarantee and a prior court ruling on sexual orientation to support their case. They emphasize they are not seeking special rights, but rather explicit legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation.