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

The President of Costa Rica recently announced that the country has officially recognized same- sex marriage. This decision was taken after in 2018, the country’s Constitutional Courtheld that criminalizing same sex marriage is against their Constitution. By doing this, it became the first Central American and 8th American Country to legalize same sex- marriage.

After ruling that same sex marriage is legal, the court had given the legislature 18 months of time to enact the rule for same-sex marriage, and to grant marriage equality to all. The court had asked the lawmakers to adjust the existing laws or the same-sex marriage will become legal automatically. The legislature did make any change, and hence, the ruling which invalidated the law criminalizing same-sex marriage, came into force, after the period of 18 months ended.

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights had earlier opined regarding legalizing the same sex marriage. And it was asked by the Central American Countries, from the courts to determine whether the countries were obligated to extend the property rights to the same sex married couples. 

The decision was celebrated by the whole country. The President wrote “Today we celebrate liberty, equality, and our democratic institutions. May empathy and love be the compass that guide us forward and allow us to move forward and build a country that has room for everyone.”

The decision was also welcomed by the Human Rights Campaign, said “this decision will inspire the LGBTQ community of the entire world to continue their fight for equality.