A lesbian couple in Costa Rica became the first same-sex couple to marry in the country’s history.
Dunia Araya and Alexandra Quiros celebrated their wedding in San Isidro de Heredia, marrying just moments after marriage equality passed into law in Costa Rica on Tuesday at midnight. Though the coronavirus pandemic limited the number of guests to a small handful of loved ones, Araya and Quiros were joined by thousands of spectators, as the ceremony was broadcasted on live TV and social media by the Sí Acepto campaign, which helped advocate for usher marriage equality.
The couple exchanged romantic vows in front of the marriage officiant, who was wearing a face mask. “With this ring I join you in marriage,” they said. “This ring symbolizes my infinite love and respect. May this ring remind you that I am always by your side in energy and love.”
President Carlos Alvaro Quesada tweeted in support of marriage equality after the law passed, writing: “Costa Rica officially recognizes equal marriage. Today we celebrate freedom, equality, and democratic institutions. may empathy and love be the compass that allows us to get ahead and build a country where all people fit.”
Costa Rica is the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage. It is the sixth country in Latin America to do so, after Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, and parts of Mexico.
The process in Costa Rica has taken years, with the Supreme Court finally voting to pass marriage equality in 2018. They gave lawmakers 18 months to implement the ruling, which finally went into effect on Tuesday.
Araya and Castillo are likely just one of countless same-sex couples who will take advantage of the new law as soon as possible. Most ceremonies will have to take place in private, due to the ongoing pandemic.
What Do You Think?