Costa Rica: Rise in violence targeting LGBT community

Event

According to government officials, the number of violent incidents targeting the LGBT community in the country has been on the rise following the first round of the country's presidential elections, held on February 4.

Alvarado Munoz, the current favorite in the runoff elections that will be held on April 1, is an evangelic Christian; one of his main campaign platforms has been to ban gay marriage in the country and roll back progressive policies introduced by the center-left government of current President Luis Guillermo Solis.

Context

Costa Rica traditionally has been one of the least violent countries in the region, with a relatively high level of development and a stable government. However, increasing levels of inequality have led to an upsurge in violence related to the drug trade in recent years.

Advice

Individuals present in Costa Rica are advised to monitor the situation and be aware that public displays of homosexuality (such as kissing in public places) can be poorly received by certain locals.