Costa Rica Presidenta Would Support Gay Unions

Casa Presidencial said on Monday that Costa Rica's presidenta Laura Chinchilla would support same-sex unions.



The statement by the Ministerio de La Presidencia came after ministry officials met with several gay rights activists, among them the Movimiento por la Diversidad Sexual (MUMS), an organization in defense of gay rights.

The press statement said the Presidenta would propose legislation that would give economic rights to both gay and lesbian couples in Costa Rica.

The country's legislature vote down earlier this year the original bill promoting equal rights for gay couples.

Carlos Benavides, the ministro de la Presidencia, told La Nacion that the change - allowing gay unions - does not affect the Codigo de la Familia (Family Code), which defines marriages in the country.