The evangelical singer who would be Costa Rica’s president
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Religious and social conservatives in Costa Rica have found a lot to object to from President Luis Guillermo Solis’ government.
A decision to allow in-vitro fertilization. A plan to recognize civil unions for same-sex couples. The publication of sex education guides by the Education Ministry, and the announcement of courses that would include discussion of sexual diversity.
In 2014, less than a week after Solis took office, the rainbow flag was raised over the presidential residence for the first time ever to mark the International Day Against Homophobia.
This week, religious conservatives flexed their muscle at the ballot box. Angered by a ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights telling Costa Rica to allow gay marriage, they helped evangelical candidate Fabricio Alvarado finish first in the country’s presidential election and put him in the pole position for an April 1 runoff against a candidate of Solis’ party.