Gay rights

Ireland on Saturday became the first country in the world to approve gay marriage by referendum with an overwhelming 62 percent "Yes" vote, further denting the once all-powerful Irish Catholic Church.

Ireland may be preparing for its coming-out party, with a referendum that could make it the world's first country to approve same-sex marriage in a popular vote.

Vice President Ana Helena Chacón announced an executive order that would punish public workers for discriminating against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Besides possible disciplinary action, Chacón said that government institutions must recognize same-sex couples in their definition of family members when requesting time off work if their same-sex partner is seriously ill or dying.

Considering that a group of care workers did not even believe that LGBTI elderly people exist, among other factors, the survey determined that Costa Rica did not have an adequate supply of services and resources for LGBTI senior citizens.

A recent survey of National Police officers by the Center for Research and Promotion of Human Rights in Central America found that 25 percent believed that LGBT people had fewer rights under the law than heterosexuals.

Only a quarter of Costa Rican police officers believe that LGBT people have the same rights under the law as straight Costa Ricans, says a new study.