Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla will not oppose a court ruling that legalizes same-sex marriage, reports the Tico Times.
Two gay couples, as part of the Diversity Movement, asked a Costa Rican court Monday to be married in a civil union, drawing attention to the issue.
Chinchilla made the statement during the last day of her visit to California, as part of a 6-day visit to the United States. The Latin American leader noted during her campaign for president in 2009 that she was a supporter of traditional marriage. She maintains that belief. However, she qualified the issue by saying that if a Costa Rican court allowed gay couples to marry, Chinchilla would not oppose the decision.
"There are complex issues that require us to prioritize, such as employment or security," Chinchilla said. "Obviously, if there is a decision of a court of law, we could not object to it."
In August 2010, the highest court in Costa Rica rejected a national referendum on whether the country should grant same-sex couples the right to civil unions. "Minority rights ... cannot be subject to a referendum process where majorities are needed," the court ruled. Too bad we haven't realized that yet in the United States.
Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalize marriage equality in July 2010. Same-sex marriage is also legal in Mexico City. Uruguay, Colombia and now Brazil allow civil unions.
Background:
Costa Rica Court Rejects Vote on Civil Unions
A step towards recognizing fundamental personal equality as has been the case in Canada and elsewhere. Good for her!
Cheers, Tee
Tee is the founder and senior editor of Costa Rica Travel Magazine www.CostaRicaCLOSEUP.com and Video Magazine www.CostaRicaCloseup.TV guides to Costa Rica
Posted by: Costaricacloseup | 19 May 2011 at 18:30
Three cheers! She's far more understanding than too many right here in the US.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 20 May 2011 at 05:36