Gay Guide Costa Rica

Homosexual acts between adults are permitted by law. The age of consent for homosexual acts is 17 years - for heterosexual acts between 15 and 16 years, depending on the circumstances. Since 1999, there has been a law that punishes discrimination against sexual and other minorities. But there is no protection against discrimination at the workplace. The national umbrella association of insurance companies in Costa Rica has decided that homosexual couples can jointly take out health insurance or general insurance and can also take out a loan together, e.g. to buy a flat. Costa Rica is also a safe travel destination for gays and lesbians and enjoys a stable political situation. Openly displayed homosexuality, however, is still a taboo in this Catholic country. Parliament caused a great stir in 2013 as conservatives and left-wing liberals jointly voted in favour of a new law. The wording can be interpreted in a way that same-sex partnerships can exist. In August 2018, Costa Rica's constitutional court ruled that marriage for all must be implemented by 8 February 2020. The verdict recieved mixed responses, but welcomed by President Carlos Alvarado Quesada. The country is a paradise for nature lovers. Over a quarter of its surface is protected landscape. In recent years Costa Rica has become the most popular (gay-and-lesbian) destination in Central America. Especially in the homosexual hotspots San José and Manuel Antonio the locals tolerate homosexuality mostly. In the capital San José there is a vibrant gay nightlife, while the coastal town Manuel Antonio could establish itself as a travel destination mainly by its nudist gay beach: actually the only one in Central America.