Men and women in Costa Rica often agree that flirtatious comments and pick-up lines can sometimes cross the line. However, a recent proposal to impose fines or jail time on overly aggressive admirers has sparked mixed reactions. Outspoken Social Christian Unity Party legislator Gloria Valerín has introduced a proposal to the Legislative Assembly aimed at protecting women from verbal harassment in public spaces.
The reform seeks to modify the Penal Code to penalize obscene remarks directed at women with fines or 30-50 days in jail. According to Valerín’s advisor, Jorge Córdoba, this reform specifically applies to women, though a general law already penalizes obscene language toward both sexes with 5-30 days in jail.
Defining Obscenity and Harassment
The proposal, currently under review in the assembly, has raised two main criticisms: the difficulty of proving verbal harassment and the challenge of distinguishing between compliments and harassment. Costa Rican culture has a long-standing tradition of “piropos,” or flirtatious remarks. While some women appreciate compliments like “qué linda” (how pretty), others find certain comments offensive or inappropriate.
Pablo Andrés Marín, a 19-year-old waiter, expressed his frustration with the vulgar comments he hears in public parks. He believes stricter enforcement is needed to protect not only women but also members of the LGBTQ+ community. Similarly, Teryhuz Walker, a 28-year-old gay man, called for reform to address offensive remarks frequently directed at LGBTQ+ individuals.
Cultural Norms and Public Opinion
Opinions vary widely. Julio César Salazar, a self-employed man, believes that some women dress provocatively and “guys have to say something.” Meanwhile, Elizabeth Parra, a middle-aged housewife, fully supports the reform but wonders how women can prove verbal insults. Her daughter, Elizabeth García, a 15-year-old high school student, described being subjected to obscene remarks and gestures, which sometimes force her to cross the street to avoid harassment.
Teenagers also highlighted inappropriate behavior in schools. Gabriela García, Elizabeth’s twin sister, recounted how male teachers have made insinuating comments, with one teacher even being dismissed for alleged sexual harassment.
Jennifer Brenes, an 18-year-old high school student, shared that while she appreciates respectful comments from young men, older men and married men often cross the line.
Challenges in Enforcement
Tourists visiting Costa Rica, like Danish visitor Thomas Nielsen, noted that they wouldn’t report verbal harassment unless it escalated to physical behavior. “We wouldn’t even know there’s a law or where to report it,” he added.
Valerín’s proposal aims to restore a sense of respect to public interactions, inspired by songwriter Dionisio Cabal’s vision of romantic gestures akin to offering a bouquet of flowers. However, the effectiveness of the proposal remains to be seen, as it awaits further debate and potential approval in the Legislative Assembly.
