Costa Rica Takes Gay Rights Stand

The top court in Costa Rica on
Tuesday ruled against a proposed referendum that would have asked voters to decide
if the country should recognize same-sex civil unions, the Associated Press
reports.

In a 5-2 vote, the constitutional
court said that a referendum planned for December would put a
minority group—gay people—at a disadvantage. It also ruled that civil unions are
a legislative issue, not an electoral one. 

Civil unions are not currently
recognized in Costa Rica, but the gay rights group The Diversity Movement has
submitted a bill to the Legislative Assembly that proposes the recognition.