The Central Electoral Board (JCE) of the Dominican Republic has firmly restated its position against the registration of same-sex marriages, asserting that such unions are not permitted under the nation’s Constitution or existing legal framework. This declaration came in response to recent claims by former U.S. Ambassador James ‘Wally’ Brewster, who publicly stated on social media that he had officiated a wedding ceremony for two men in Santiago. The JCE clarified that only Civil Registry Officials and accredited religious institutions are legally authorized to conduct marriages in the country, and these unions must strictly adhere to the traditional definition of marriage between a man and a woman. The JCE cited Articles 55 of the Constitution, along with Laws Nos. 4-23 and 198-11, to emphasize that Dominican law exclusively recognizes heterosexual marriages, whether civil or religious. The institution concluded its statement by affirming that it ‘has not officiated, registered, nor will it register any marriage that violates the Constitution or the law.’ This development underscores the ongoing legal and societal challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the Dominican Republic.
JCE clarifies: no same-sex marriages registered in the Dominican Republic
