Hundreds of Dominicans of different associations and movements joined together today in a rally in front of the National Palace for demand the approval of “a better Code Penal“that protects the rights of women, girls and vulnerable populations in the Dominican Republic. As well as the inclusion of three causes and the “elimination of criminal immunity for churches.”
Guadalupe Valdezmember of the movement Forum Citizenindicated that this was a protest “peaceful, civic, non-partisan” that promotes the placement of new mechanisms that also support and provide better health services to the elderly, people with disabilities and workers regardless of their sexual preference.
Under the slogan “A better Codea better country,” Valdez said that there are more than 40 articles that must be modified, citing among them, the penalization of abortion and inclusion of the three causes to ensure the life of women.
Initiative Popular “for a Better Code”
The protesters officially announced the creation of the Initiative Legislative Popular for a Better Codea coalition that will seek to mobilize citizens to collect signatures in support of the demands.
This alliance will be made up of various organizations and community leaders who share the vision of a Code of Criminal Procedure that responds to the real needs of the Dominican people.
In a document they highlighted the urgency of declaring imprescriptible the crimes of abuse child sexual abuse, the elimination of criminal immunity for churches, and criminal liability for businesses in cases of harassment and discrimination.
In addition, the demand for the inclusion of the three causes in the cases of abortionas a legitimate right and a matter of human dignity for Dominican women.
“This is intended to demand the approval of a Code A criminal offense that represents progress in the fight against impunity and not a setback for the country. The inclusion of the statute of limitations for corruption crimes in the Code The Penal Code represents a serious setback in the fight against impunity and transparency,” the delegation added.
“We are not afraid of the Ichurch“
Lourdes Contrerasmember of the Committee for Women’s Unity and RightsHe added that the new legislators have the opportunity to defend citizens’ rights and write a new history.
“Although our expectations are not very flattering, due to the attitudes that the legislators have taken in the campaign prior to making decisions in this order (of the three causes), and we know that those who support them are very minimal and have the pressure of the Church“We continue to push and the only way to win is on the streets,” he said.
“We are not afraid of fear” Church nor to anyone, that is why we continue to fight!” he exclaimed.
Contreras said that the president Luis Abinader has the power to “lower lines” with the three causes as it has done with other cases.
During the event, organizations from the Community participated Lgtbqsex workers and young people, who also demanded that their rights be guaranteed without discrimination.
The rally lasted from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, with artistic performances on a stage, live music, and simultaneous activities.
“History has shown that when the society civil “When vulnerable groups refuse to accept being ignored, systems begin to transform. We invite every citizen to be part of this movement for a better code for a better country. Sign so that together we can present this popular legislative initiative, which not only represents a change in the laws, but a firm step towards the country that all citizens dream of,” the protesters concluded.
The Dominican Republic is one of five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that maintains a total ban on abortion. For decades, women’s rights organizations have demanded access to safe and legal abortion.
Local organizations have urged Congress to amend the penal code to legalize abortion under three conditions: when the woman’s life is at risk, when the pregnancy is not viable or in cases of rape or incest.
