Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Jose (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic Church in Costa Rica has launched a signature campaign to solicit a national referendum against same-sex civil marriages. The campaign began on May 10, following the Masses held in various Catholic churches, including the Cathedral of San Jose, in an effort to ask the Electoral Tribunal to hold a referendum.
Archbishop Hugo Barrantes of San Jose says it is a campaign organized by a group of faithful who “defend life, the Church's principles, and marriage” and is not directly affiliated with the Bishops. The campaign hopes that Costa Ricans will at least vote rejecting “gay marriages, even if the lawmakers are not aware of its dangerous and perverse effect on our society,” the Prelate said in referring to the attempt to legalize same-sex unions.
State Representative Ana Helena Chacon says the bill on same-sex civil unions only seeks to “assure property rights to same-sex couples, as in the current situation they are unable to inherit property and have no access to social security and medical visits.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 15/5/2009)
