Treatment of LGBTI persons in the Dominican Republic may range from tolerance to staunch homophobia. In its 2012 human rights report, the US State Department reports that transgender persons are at particular risk. Transgender persons face widespread discrimination and violence, and 18 transgender persons were killed in 2012.

Between 2010 and 2012, 18 homosexual persons were victims of hate-motivated murder, reports the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board. In more recent cases mentioned by the same source, a transgender individual was stabbed to death in November 2012, while a gay man was stabbed to death on the 5th of January 2013.

Moreover, LGBTI persons in general are subject to widespread discrimination in the areas of healthcare, education and employment. LGBTI individuals have been arrested without charges, prevented from renting or purchasing property, or even denied health services in both private and public hospitals, reports the US State Department. According to the same report, victims of discrimination are often hesitant to file complaints for fear of public humiliation or reprisals, whilst police authorities do not provide assistance to LGBTI persons trying to access the justice system. Sources referred to by the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board also suggest that police authorities extort money and sex from transgender sex workers.

Following the country’s first gay pride parade in 2001, Dominican authorities have been reluctant to allow subsequent parade requests by LGBTI organisations. A gay pride parade was held in July 2012 but participants faced resistance from police authorities which argued that such activities in public places would bring ‘shame upon the nation’, according to the US State Department.

We have not found any relevant case law at this time but we welcome suggestions.