June 28th marks the International Pride Day for the LGTBI population (Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals, Bisexuals and Inter-sexuals). On Sunday, thousands of people participated in the March for Diversity in San José.
The president of the Republic, Carlos Alvarado, joined the movement and sent a message, in which he apologized to the sexually diverse population for what he recognizes have been decades of hatred and discrimination. He also promised the commitment of his Administration in the journey that is still ahead for the full recognition of their rights.
Alvarado recalled that in the 1960s and 1970s the government was an accomplice to rape, discrimination, and violence against the LGTBI population and that even in 1969, homosexuality was criminalized and persecuted in Costa Rica.
On behalf of the government of the Republic I ask your forgiveness and I renew my commitment to fight so that this shameful chapter of our history will not be repeated. No one should hide or hide their love, because that day awaits us,”
said Alvarado in an article called Stonewall Inn: Pride, love and equality.
Since January 9th there are discussions on how to fully comply with the advisory opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR Court), in which the State was instructed to guarantee to same-sex couples all existing rights in the legislation, including the right to marriage, without any discrimination. The President admitted that difficult times may come for such compliance.
Alvarado did not participate in the March of Diversity this Sunday in San José because he is in the Dominican Republic at the summit of presidents of the Central American Integration System.