LGBTQ rights in Dominica

LGBTQ people in Dominica face some legal challenges that other residents do not. This means that being openly LGBTQ can sometimes be difficult or unsafe for people in the country.

In 2024, an important change happened. The High Court made a decision that changed the laws. They struck down an old rule from when Dominica was a colony. This old rule made certain activities illegal for LGBTQ people. After this decision, being LGBTQ is no longer against the law in Dominica.

However, there are still some areas where LGBTQ people do not have the same rights as others. For example, same-sex couples cannot get married or enter into civil unions. Also, there are no laws that protect LGBTQ people from being treated unfairly because of who they love or how they identify. This means that some people might still face unfair treatment or discrimination.

Legality of same-sex sexual activity

In April 2024, the High Court in Dominica decided that laws making same-sex activity between adults illegal were not fair or right. Before this decision, laws in Dominica made it illegal for adults to be together in this way, and some people were arrested and sent to jail or even to hospitals for treatment.

The court changed the law so that adults who agree to be together are protected, and it is no longer a crime. This means that adults can make their own choices about who they are with, as long as everyone agrees.

Official support of LGBT rights

See also: LGBT rights at the United Nations

In 2011, the team from Dominica joined many countries at the United Nations to support a statement asking for an end to unfair treatment of people based on who they love or how they express their gender. Dominica was the only country in the Lesser Antilles to join this important stand.

Social conditions

Some people in Dominica do not welcome gay visitors and have asked the government to stop them from coming to the island. In the past, there have been problems and unfair treatment toward people believed to be part of the LGBTQ community. Sadly, some people have used hurtful words and actions against them.

There are groups in Dominica working to support and protect the rights of LGBTQ people, helping them to live safely and with respect.

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal	(Since 2024)
Equal age of consent (16)	(Since 2024)
Anti-discrimination laws in employment only
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech)
Same-sex marriages
Recognition of same-sex couples
Step-child adoption by same-sex couples
Joint adoption by same-sex couples
Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military	Has no military
Right to change legal gender
Access to IVF for lesbians
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples
MSMs allowed to donate blood