The controversial mention of “scandalous sodomy” was removed in 2002. However, same sex sexual relationships between consenting adults, in private, was not criminalised. In 1971, the country established the universal age of consent at 18, regardless of sexual orientation, although the constant battle between Catholic beliefs and progressive views meant that “scandalous sodomy” was still illegal.
Same sex sexual relationships were decriminalised in Costa Rica as early as the 1880s, although they were still seen as sinful. Under Spanish colonial rule – with its conservative, Roman Catholic morality – homosexuality was declared a sin, and outlawed. We hope that Costa Rica continues to push forward with equal rights, as it has done with ecotourism, and that other Latin countries decide to follow its leadership once again, this time in recognition of the LGBT community.Īs with many places in the world, Central America did not discriminate against homosexuals until the Europeans arrived. There is still a long way to go before equality is achieved, but Costa Rica is one of the most welcoming places in the region for LGBT travellers, despite the prevalence of traditional, religious attitudes and often macho culture. It was one of the first countries to fully embrace the concept of ecotourism, and brave actions such as living almost entirely off renewable energy, and abolishing its military (whose funds were then diverted into renewable energy, amongst other initiatives) have cemented its place as a forward thinking, conscientious nation.īroadly speaking, this pioneering attitude is now leading the way for LGBT rights in Latin America. In the field of responsible tourism, Costa Rica has long been viewed as something of a pioneer.