President Carlos Alvarado announced Friday new legislation to improve LGBTQ rights in Costa Rica.
The President said via his Twitter that “we are building a more just and egalitarian Costa Rica for all people.”
The decrees include recognition of trans gender identities on residency (DIMEX) cards and declare hormone treatment “in the public interest,” which allows patients to receive the appropriate comprehensive care via the country’s health services.
Earlier this year, the government recognized the gender identity of Costa Rican transsexuals.
Friday’s legislation also includes guidelines eliminating penalties or punishment for notaries who perform same-sex marriages. It also enables for same-sex couples equal access to low-income housing bonds and credit programs.
“Love for people is what should guide us in the act of governing,” Alvarado said. “Today we take steps in that direction, guaranteeing the principle of equality.
“I thank all the activists who have made this possible. Let us move forward.”
Nisa Sanz, an activist for the family rights of homosexual couples, said these measures helped settle a historic debt with people who have long been the victims of discrimination, but said there was still some way to go before achieving equality.
“There still needs to be progress in marriage for all. The only legal measure that guarantees full family protection is marriage equality,” she said.
Read President Alvarado’s tweets announcing the legislation below:
Firmamos este viernes cuatro decretos y dos directrices para garantizar a la población LGTBIQ igualdad de derechos, sin discriminación alguna.
Estamos construyendo una Costa Rica más justa e igualitaria para todas las personas.
— Carlos Alvarado Quesada (@CarlosAlvQ) December 21, 2018
Las dos directrices establecen que las parejas del mismo sexo podrán acceder a bonos de vivienda y la eliminación de las sanciones a notarios que realicen matrimonios entre personas del mismo sexo.
— Carlos Alvarado Quesada (@CarlosAlvQ) December 21, 2018
El amor por las personas es lo que nos debe guiar en el acto de gobernar. Hoy damos pasos en esa dirección, garantizando el principio de la igualdad. Agradezco a todas las personas activistas que han hecho esto posible. Sigamos adelante.
— Carlos Alvarado Quesada (@CarlosAlvQ) December 21, 2018
Information from AFP was used in this report, which was updated Dec. 22 at 11:30 a.m.
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