September 20, 2006

Abstract: - Many adults in Costa Rica believe gay and lesbian couples should not be allowed to enter partnerships, according to a poll by Universidad de Costa Rica. 71.4 per cent of respondents are opposed to allowing civil unions for same-sex partners.

- Many adults in Costa Rica believe gay and lesbian couples should not be allowed to enter partnerships, according to a poll by Universidad de Costa Rica. 71.4 per cent of respondents are opposed to allowing civil unions for same-sex partners.

Same-sex marriage is currently legal in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Canada, and at least 18 countries offer some form of legal recognition to same-sex unions.

Earlier this month, Costa Rica's Diversity Movement (MD) discussed the possibility of enacting a law that would allow homosexual couples to form civil unions, in order to have rights such as inheritance and social security. MD president Abelardo Araya explained the rationale, saying, "We have talked with our representatives about the fact that we have every obligation but no rights. Are there two types of citizenship?"

Social-Christian Unity Party (PUSC) lawmaker Ana Elena Chacón endorsed the proposal, saying, "In Costa Rican law, we discuss individual and collective rights, but this has never been achieved in reality. This project will attempt to clarify some of the grey areas that the current legislation has."

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose allowing civil unions for same-sex partners?

Support	16.4%
Oppose	71.4%
No opinion	11.6%

Source: Universidad de Costa Rica
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Costa Rican adults, conducted from Jun. 3 to Jun. 20, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.