El Salvador

In El Salvador's penal code there is no mention of laws punishing homosexuality. There are laws regarding "moral behaviour and good habits" which allow judges an extended field of interpretation. The age of consent is set at 18 years, regardless of sexual orientation. New laws have been introduced which set out to eliminate abuse of minors any street prostitution. In general the situation of gay men in El Salvador is comparative to that in many western countries. They do not enjoy any form of prominent understanding, but are tolerated. This tolerance is particularly evident in the large cities. Every since 1996 a Gay Pride parade takes place each June. Bisexuality is common and in the larger cities you will find transvestites working as prostitutes at the roadside. In general discretion is advisable. El Salvador, the smallest country in continental America, has a diversity of landscapes, from Pine forests to Palm-lined beaches, impressive volcanoes and crater lakes. Numerous archaeological sites offer a picture of life in pre-Columbian times and the sleepy villages prior to colonial times. The capital city San Salvador has several gay organizations as well as bars and discos and social groups.