People in both my countries have had reasons to celebrate lately when it comes to a few key legal decisions. (Hi there, RBG ‘n’ friends.) In Costa Rica, it’s because of a labyrinthine, international legal process that eventually resulted in the legalization of gay marriage one month ago, on May 26th.
La República reported recently that in the first full month of marriage equality, 107 same-sex couples have tied the knot in Costa Rica. (The article goes on to point out very that there are still some questions to resolve: “practical aspects” such as “how will the law penalizing violence against women be applied? And what will happen with maternity leave with a person who identifies as a man?” Oh, lordy.)
Here’s to those 107 couples and their long-awaited nuptials – such a bright spot during a dreary time.
I’m a writer in San José, Costa Rica, on a year-long quest to share daily posts on inspiring people, places and ideas from my adopted home as a kind of tonic during a rough time in the world. Sign up (top right of this page) to receive a little dose of inspiration every weekday in your mailbox; tell a friend; check out past posts; and please connect with me on Instagram or Facebook! If you want to learn more about how to support Costa Rica during the crisis, visit my COVID-19 section, updated regularly – or for ways to enjoy Costa Rica from afar, visit Virtual Costa Rica.
katherine stanley obando 