SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — The Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic has issued a landmark ruling ending a ban that criminalized same-sex conduct within the country’s police department and its armed forces.

Human rights activists praised the ruling on Thursday, saying it was long overdue.

“No one should be discriminated against, not only within the ranks of the police and the armed forces, but in general,” said Manuel Meccariello, director of the Human Rights Observatory for Vulnerable Groups.

However, he said that the ruling does not mean police officers or soldiers would be allowed to engage in romantic relationships at work; they must comply with labor regulations like all other members.

While some welcomed the ruling made public on Wednesday, many in the soci

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