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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