Costa Rica’s LGBT community mourns death of leader

Renowned Costa Rican LGBT activist Abelardo Araya died Wednesday of an apparent heart attack at the age of 42. He was found in his home on Thursday.

On Friday, family members, friends and LGBT activists held a funeral ceremony for the human rights leader in Alajuela, northwest of San José. Araya was diabetic and had cardiac disease, family members said.

Araya will be remembered for his work promoting gay rights in Costa Rica, including the founding of Movimiento Diversidad (Diversity Movement), a political movement aimed at furthering LGBT rights. In 2006, the group presented a same-sex civil-marriage bill in the Legislative Assembly.

Sat January 21, 2012

Court Orders Conjugal Visits for Same Sex Couples

The Sala IV constitutional court decided Tuesday that to prevent homosexual prisoners from seeing members of their own sex would be unconstitutional.

Costa Rica runs an extensive program on conjugal visits at its prisons. An article in prison regulations restricted such visits to members of the opposite sex.

The Sala IV said that this requirement violated the principles of equality and human dignity. The decision was announced Wednesday.

Thu October 13, 2011

Court Rejects Same-Sex Marriage In Costa Rica

A family court judge in San Jose has rejected the marriage application of one of the two couples who have requested to be married. The judge assigned to the other case however has referred the case to the constitutional court. Both couples have vowed to continue the fight to international bodies should their request be rejected.

Wed May 25, 2011

Chinchilla says she would not oppose legalization of gay marriage in Costa Rica

President Laura Chinchilla said Tuesday she would not object to a ruling legalizing gay marriage. Two gay couples, as part of the Diversity Movement, asked a Costa Rican court Monday to be married in a civil union, in order to draw attention to the issue.

But most Costa Ricans oppose it. A national poll on sexual diversity gave a snapshot on Tico opinions about LGBT rights, including on topics like same-sex marriage, adoptions and gay public displays of affection.

Wed May 18, 2011

We never asked to be married by the church

Gay couple who have asked the courts for a civil union participated in a chat with La Nación newspaper yesterday.

Alberto González and Lorenzo Serrano already feel like they are already married, but say that they will fight for the right of civil unions for homosexual couples until the end.

"We have tried on two occasions to ask for the minimum, as if we were somehow less than other Costa Ricans and now we're not going to accept that because this struggle is for everyone"

Tue May 17, 2011

New policy promotes respect for sexual diversity in country

For the first time, the Costa Rican government has issued a Policy on National Sexuality (PNS) which, in addition to focusing on gender and human rights, contains a third pillar which seeks respect for sexual diversity. The recognition of rights and access to health care for groups such as homosexuals and prostitutes will be part of a comprehensive program.

Sun April 3, 2011

Costa Rica will support UN document calling for elimination of penalties against homosexuals

Costa Rica has announced they will support a statement on violence against gay people that will be presented to a United Nations (UN) group later this month. "We call upon States to take measures to stop acts of violence, remove criminal penalties and stop related human rights violations against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," says the text its tenth and final point. Activists in Costa Rica had expressed concern that the new conservative government would not support the document.

Mon March 7, 2011

Paraguay Won't Join Costa Rica in Ratifying Pro-Gay Youth Manifesto

Paraguay has rejected a set of standards for the treatment and rights of youth, due to provisions that the social and religious right found objectionable. The document included the right of all young people to assert their own identities, including sexual orientation; the right to be free of discrimination; and the right pursue social connections, including having a life partner. So it will not join Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Spain, and Uruguay in ratifying the Iberoamerican Convention on the Rights of Youth.

Tue November 16, 2010

Gay Cruise to Feature Costa Rica and Panama

Concierge Travel, the largest gay-owned and operated travel agency and tour operator in the state of Texas, today announced details on its first all-gay luxury sailing ship cruise to Costa Rica and Panama. The charter cruise will sail on Star Clippers’ elegant Star Flyer clipper ship March 6 to 13, 2011.

You can reserve the cruise as well as add additional nights and activities in Costa Rica by contacting Costa Rica based travel experts Gecko Trail Adventures.

Wed October 6, 2010

Chincilla Campaigns for Presidency of UN Human Rights Commission

Tue September 21, 2010

San Pedro Bar Faces Controversy Over Expelling Gay Kissing Couple

San Pedro Bar La Buca has faced a huge controversy on social media sites after a waitress asked two men who were kissing to leave.

Thu September 9, 2010

Sufficient signatures received for civil union referendum

Costa Rica's Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE) announced Thursday that it received petitions containing a sufficient number of valid signatures to require a nationwide referendum on legalizing civil unions for homosexual couples. However, the decision on whether to hold the referendum remains in the hands of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court (Sala IV).

Mon August 9, 2010

First Gay Bookstore Opens in Costa Rica

The first gay bookstore, and only the third in Latin America, has opened in Costa Rica. The store "Nuestras Letras" is located in Moravia, facing the community cemetery.

Thu July 29, 2010

Sala IV orders review of gay union referendum

The Sala IV Supreme Court has heard another challenge against the gay civil union referendum and this time they have ordered the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE) to address a challenge relating to a referendum on same-sex civil unions.

The challenge was filed by longtime civil servant Esteban Quirós, who questioned the validity of addressing human rights issues enshrined in international treaties in a referendum. He said Costa Rica is bound by international conventions that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation. In Costa Rica, the provisions of international treaties supersede all national laws except the Constitution.

The TSE has been given 3 days to respond.

Fri July 2, 2010

Constitution Court Rejects Challenge to Civil Unions Referendum

The Sala IV constitutional court Tuesday threw out a challenge to a proposed referendum on civil unions. The Defensoría de los Habitantes had argued that the proposed referendum is contrary to human dignity and violates the Costa Rican Constitution.

There still may be other challenges to the referendum, mostly because proponents of civil unions believe the proposed vote was promoted in bad faith to set back the cause of gay rights.

Wed June 30, 2010

Catholic Church Promotes Referendum on Gay Marriage

The announcement of a referendum on legal recognition of homosexual couples has kindled a fire in Costa Rica. The discussion is open on the opinion pages of newspapers, in the sermons of the masses and, of course, in online forums. The battle had already begun, but the announcement of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has brought the debate to a head. Let the majority rule, say the Catholics in this overwhelmingly Catholic country. The rights of minorities should not be exposed to the criterion of the majority, countered the growing voices of the gay movement.

Thu June 10, 2010

Debate on TV: Are Homosexuals Born or Made?

Politicians and experts debated on national television on Thursday as to whether homosexuality is a choice or a characteristic one is born with.

Thu April 22, 2010

Casa Cari Opens Internet Café and Library

On April 15, Casa Cari, the gay community center in San José, opened a new internet café and book and video lending library. The "Club Cari" space will feature 8 laptop computers, snacks and drinks, table games, videos which can be watched on the laptops and, starting in August, a library of gay and lesbian interest books.

Sat April 17, 2010

Costa Rican President Reaffirms Supports for Gay Unions

Outgoing Costa Rican president Oscar Arias reaffirmed his support for gay unions in an interview and stated that homosexuality was a product of God or nature, not a choice.

"We are made as we are. A young boy (or girl) does not ask if he or she will grow up gay or straight. sexual orientation is given by God or by nature", said Arias urging respect for homosexuals.

Gay unions in Costa Rica still need the approval of the legislature.

In the same remarks, Arias also said it's time for the Roman Catholic Church to stop demanding celibacy from its priests, optimistic that the 2.000 year religion will correct the error, as he calls it.

Wed April 7, 2010

Costa Rica 2009 Trip Report

An entertaining and informative trip report with photos and a video from a gay couple who visited Costa Rica in July 2009.

Mon March 1, 2010

Gays and Lesbians Protest Against Discrimination

A large crowd gathered to protest against discrimination and specifically against Banco Nacional. Teletica had extensive coverage and the video is available on the Teletica site.

Wed January 13, 2010

Protest Against Discrimination

Route of the Kiss VI
Coordinator against dsexual orientation discrimination.
Where? Banco Nacional San Pedro
When? Wednesday, 13 January 12:00 p.m.
Information besodiverso@gmail.com
Being different is not indecent!
To discriminate is disgusting!

Sat January 9, 2010

Argentine gay couple becomes first in Latin America to marry

Two Argentine men have become the first same-sex couple to marry legally in Latin America.

Alejandro Freyre, 39, and Jose Maria Di Bello, 41, tied the knot in a civil ceremony in the southern city of Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego province.

With gay marriage moving forward in Mexico City as well will Costa Rica be the next to follow?

Wed December 30, 2009

Let's Dance!

The Arco Iris Community Center is having their final dance of the year. The last dance was a great success, with a spacious and comfotable venue and delicious food. For only 3500 colones enjoy the music, the space and you can bring what you want to drink. It's all happening next Friday December 4 at 8 pm at the Centro Recreativo El Monte. Reserve to tel 83561816 or by email to cari@caricr.com

Fri November 27, 2009

Liquid Lounge Opens Nov 28 with Party

Liquid Lounge in Manuel Antonio will open on Nov 28 with a party featuring DJs Eleazar Delve, Fran Erra and Eddie B.

Sat November 14, 2009

Gay film festival starts tomorrow

The Second Annual Gay Film Festival will take place from September 20 until October 25. Films will be exhibited each Sunday at 3pm. A total of 5 full-length films plus 15 shorts are on the program. The screenings will take place at the Centro Cultural Arco Iris, located 100 meters west and 25 meters north of Alliance Francaise.

Sat September 19, 2009

Hot Nude Yoga to Open Costa Rica Centre

Hot Nude Yoga is yoga for men performed in the nude. Started in New York, it is very popular in many places around the world. They are opening a permanent wellness center in Costa Rica called Blue Osa.

Wed July 15, 2009

Constitional court rejects suit to recognize gay marriage

The Constitutional Chamber of Costa Rica announced today that it has rejected a constitutional challenge seeking recognition of same sex unions.

Fri May 29, 2009

Homosexual group criticizes candidate Chinchilla

The gay rights group Movimiento Diversidad has criticized the candidacy of Laura Chinchilla, a candidate for the PLN, and has asked people not to vote for her.

Thu May 21, 2009

Gay European film festival starts today

Every Sunday a new film will be presented at part of the Gay European Film Festival organized by the Comunidad Arco Iris. There will be 5 films screened from May 3 - 31.

Sun May 3, 2009

Gay Film Festival

The Arco Iris Cultural Centre is presenting a series of gay film from the USA each Sunday at 3pm. The offerings will include Milk, Another Gay Movie, Gone But Not Forgotten and A Home at the End of the World.

Sat March 21, 2009