Published: 29/05/2020

Costa Rica becomes the sixth country in Latin America and the first in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage.

In August 2018, Costa Rica’s Supreme Court ruled that the country’s same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional and discriminatory. The court gave the country’s parliament 18 months to legislate or face the ban being automatically overruled. The night of May 25, 2020 marked that deadline, and the move has been welcomed by human rights organizations including the IUF and its affiliated unions.

On May 28, 2020 the IUF sent a letter to the Minister for the Status of Women in Costa Rica expressing its appreciation for this legislation.

Please find below the content of the letter in English:

Minister for the Status of Women
Ms Patricia Mora Castellanos
Saint Joseph
Costa Rica

Dear Minister,

The present letter is motivated by the long-awaited entry into force of same-sex marriage in Costa Rica, which took place on May 27.

This is, without a doubt, a day of celebration for all of us who, like the IUF and its 425 affiliated organizations in 127 countries, are committed to the fight for equal rights for the LGTBI community and for a democratic society free of prejudice and discrimination.

The incorporation of Costa Rica to the thirty countries that guarantee same-sex marriage appears within this framework as a special reason for satisfaction. Hoping that progress be made, we take this opportunity to express our warmest greetings and convey our deepest solidarity.

Sue Longley
IUF General Secretary

Norberto Latorre
IUF Latin America Regional President

Gerardo Iglesias
IUF Latin America Regional Secretary

Please see here the original letter in Spanish.