Costa Rica becomes the first country in Central America to legalize same-sex marriage

In a landmark court ruling on Tuesday, Costa Rica became the first country in Central America and the sixth country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage.

In August 2018, Costa Rica’s constitutional court ruled that a ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional and gave parliament 18 months to legislate or automatically nullify the provision. While earlier this month, a handful of legislators tried to delay the marriage ruling, the measure failed.

President Carlos Alvarado Quesada, who took office in May 2018, promised to legalize same-sex marriage during his presidential campaign.

In response to the removal of the ban, Quesada tweeted, “Today, Costa Rica officially recognizes same-sex marriage. Today we celebrate liberty, equality and our democratic institutions. May empathy and love be the compass that guides us forward and allows us to move forward and build a country that has room for everyone."

In a separate Tweet posted earlier, the president stated, “Starting tomorrow, Costa Rica will recognize equal marriage. In a few hours, same-sex couples, and their families, will have the same rights as any other couple or family in this country. Together, under the same flag, let’s build a better nation.”

Speaking to Reuters, Margarita Salas, an LGBT rights campaigner in Costa Rica and president of the VAMOS political party said, “This offers us peace of mind. This measure gives us the ability to protect and provide security to our family."

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