No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsArts and CultureLawmakers vote to define Costa Rica as a multiethnic, plurinational country

Lawmakers vote to define Costa Rica as a multiethnic, plurinational country

After more than 10 years of debate, lawmakers approved a bill in a first round vote Wednesday to reform Costa Rica’s Constitution to redefine the Central American country as a “multiethnic and plurinational” republic. The bill would add language to Article 1 of the constitution, which defines Costa Rica as a “democratic, free and independent” republic.

“It means that Costa Rica is now a country that recognizes everyone, that recognizes the ethnic-racial diversity, that recognizes us as Afro-descendants,” said Citizen Action Party lawmaker Epsy Campbell.

“It’s a historic step,” said National Liberation Party (PLN) lawmaker Maureen Clarke. “It’s fundamental to recognize our heritage.”

Clarke added that the reform could serve as a platform for future legislation on the rights of Afro-descendant and indigenous peoples in Costa Rica.

President Luis Guillermo Solís, who traces part of his heritage to Jamaica, previously had expressed his support for the reform bill. The president celebrated the vote Wednesday, releasing a statement saying, “We celebrate that lawmakers have taken this great step that recognizes Costa Rica as the cradle of multiple cultures and ethnicities that have enriched and made our country greater and will continue to do so.”

The reform was first presented by PLN lawmaker Joyce Sawyer in 1998, but it was tabled until recently.

Of 57 lawmakers, 46 voted in favor of the bill. The bill must be approved in a second-round vote before going to President Solís for his signature.

Trending Now

2025 Gold Cup: Honduras Advances After Dramatic Shootout, Mexico Ends Goal Drought

Honduras, with a surprising and dramatic penalty shootout victory over Panama, and Mexico, with a lackluster win against Saudi Arabia, advanced Saturday to the...

Costa Rica’s Eyelash Viper Snake Is One of the Most Beautiful

There are at least 141 different species of snakes in Costa Rica. With that large number of species packed into such a tiny nation,...

Costa Rica Green Hotels Lead Global Sustainable Tourism

Costa Rica’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism grows stronger every year, with our green hotels setting a high bar for eco-conscious hospitality...

Costa Rica to Launch Electric Air Taxis for Sustainable Travel in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is poised to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the introduction of electric air taxis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground travel...

Costa Rica’s Rare Birds at Risk as Human Activity Threatens Extinction

Costa Rica’s bare-necked umbrellabird, a striking black bird with a red throat pouch and crest, is in trouble. A new study in Nature Ecology...

Fishing, Wildlife, and History in Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado is a magical and charming town. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems, best known for its world-class sport...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica