Junta Central Electoral clarifies legality of transgender couple's marriage

transgender marriage Dominican Republic Junta Central Electoral civil rights gender identity

The Junta Central Electoral (JCE) has clarified the legality of a marriage between Jayden Resto Holguín and Regina Balaguer de Resto, a couple who identify as transgender. The union, which has drawn significant attention on social media, is considered by the couple to be the first public marriage in the Dominican Republic between a trans man and a trans woman using their respective gender identities.

The JCE explained that the marriage complies with the Dominican Constitution and civil laws because, according to official birth certificates and identity documents, the union was contracted between a man and a woman. Specifically, Aris Doris Resto Holguín is registered as female, and Miguel José Balaguer de la Rosa is registered as male. The JCE noted that Article 55 of the Constitution protects marriage between a man and a woman, and the registry must act based on these official legal records.

The couple reported facing discrimination and transfobia during the administrative process, including being redirected between offices due to their appearance. However, they received support from organizations such as TRANSSA (Trans Siempre Amigas) and the Observatorio de Derechos Humanos de Personas Trans (ODHPT), which celebrated the marriage as a milestone for visibility and the recognition of trans families in the country.

Entities

Dominican Republic · Jayden Resto Holguín · Junta Central Electoral · Observatorio de Derechos Humanos de Personas Trans · Regina Balaguer de Resto · TRANSSA

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] COLESDOM described the union as the first marriage between trans people in the country. infoenn.com · hoy.com.do
[● 3 SOURCES] Jayden Resto Holguín and Regina Balaguer de Resto formalized their marriage in the Dominican Republic. infoenn.com · relojinformativo.do · hoy.com.do
[● 2 SOURCES] The organization TRANSSA provided guidance and support to the couple during the process. infoenn.com · relojinformativo.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] The JCE stated the marriage complies with the Constitution and Dominican laws because it was celebrated between a biological man and a biological woman according to their birth certificates. hoy.com.do
[● 2 SOURCES] The marriage is the first publicly registered union in the Dominican Republic between a trans man and a trans woman with their respective gender identities. infoenn.com · relojinformativo.do
[● 2 SOURCES] The couple experienced discrimination and transfobia during the administrative process. infoenn.com · relojinformativo.do