SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AFP)—A top court in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday decriminalised same-sex sexual relations for police and military members, which until now was punishable by up to two years in prison.

Same-sex marriage is illegal in the Caribbean nation, which is largely Catholic and highly conservative, and where LGBTQ community members complain of routine stigmatisation.

The Constitutional Court — the highest body for issues related to Dominican law — declared references to sodomy in the legal codes of the police and armed forces as “not in accordance with the Constitution,” ordering their removal.

“It has been proven that the challenged norms violate the principle of reasonableness, unjustifiably discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation, affect privacy, the free development of personality, and the right to work,” the court said.

“The Constitution mandates equal consideration and respect for all people, so public authorities are obliged to provide such treatment to all Dominicans who wish to serve in the military of the country that grants them that dignified treatment,” it added.