No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeGay rightsIncreased violence against LGBTI community reported in Costa Rica

Increased violence against LGBTI community reported in Costa Rica

The Costa Rican Ombudswoman’s Office reported an increase in violence against members of Costa Rica’s LGBTI community following the Feb. 4 presidential elections, dominated by a debate over same-sex marriage.

“The Ombudswoman’s Office received information this week… about cases of verbal and physical aggression towards LGBTI people, with a disproportionate increase since Election Day,” the government entity stated in a news release Wednesday.

The statement indicated that the office had received reports from LGBTI people “who have felt fearful of exercising their political rights in the current climate,” and that gay rights activists have been subject to threats and aggressive acts.

The candidate who came out atop the field in the first round of the presidential election was the Pentecostal preacher and former legislator Fabricio Alvarado, who surged in the polls following a ruling from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in favor of marriage equality. Alvarado stated that if elected, he would withdraw Costa Rica from the San José-based court’s jurisdiction so the country would not be obliged to comply with the ruling.

Costa Rica meets its new presidential candidates – fresh from the middle of the pack

Alvarado will face off for the presidency against the candidate who came in second on Feb. 4, Carlos Alvarado (no relation) of the Citizen Action Party.

According to the Ombudsman’s Office, “the country has become deeply polarized, and this tension has led to high levels of expressions of hate and violence, insult and exclusion.”

The institution has not received information about violence or discrimination based on religious beliefs, although it indicated it has observed expressions of religious intolerance on social media.

Parents padlock schools in Costa Rica to protest sex ed programs

 

Trending Now

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...

U.S. – Guatemala Security Pact Targets Crime and Helps Returning Migrants

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem signed a border security cooperation agreement with Guatemala on Thursday, which includes the use of drones and...

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...

Honduras Seizes $2 Million, Gold-Plated Pistols in Drug Raid

Honduran authorities struck a blow against drug cartels, seizing over $2 million in cash, war rifles, and flashy gold-plated pistols in Copán, a northwest...

Prisma Dental in Costa Rica Keeps Customers Happy and Smiling

I am 81 years old and have had teeth removed, bridges, and cavities fixed several times to sustain my ability to eat and function....

Why Costa Rica Feels Like a Safe Haven for This Longtime Expat

If someone asked me to sum up why I live in Costa Rica in 5 words or less, my answer could well be: “It...
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