From: rastern@sol.racsa.co.cr Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 22:01:00 -0600 (CST) Subject: Legal Action Against Discrimination: Costa Rica News From Triangulo Rosa San Jose, Costa Rica 23 September, 1998 COSTA RICAN GAY ASSOCIATION FIGHTS DISCRIMINATION BY CHURCH AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS The Director of Costa Rica's gay/lesbian Association Triangulo Rosa, Francisco Madrigal, has filed a complaint in the Supreme Court's complaints division against Mr. Roman Arrieta Villalobos, the Archbishop of San Jose, and Mr. Minor de Jesus Calvo, Parish Priest. Triangulo Rosa also placed a complaint with the Defensoria de los Habitantes, the government's ombudsmen organization, against the President of Costa Rica, Dr. Miguel Angel Rodriguez. These complaints have been filed as a result of the public statements made by Arrieta, Calvo and Rodriguez in the nation's television, radio and newspaper system, with respect to a planned gay/lesbian festival, which was to have been held here in August, organized by a local tourism company. The festival was finally canceled because of the fear of violence against participants. On August 2nd of this year, a national religious holiday, the President of Costa Rica was quoted in the press as saying "Its important that the indicated authorities not grant any permits for any type of public activities for this festival." Roman Arrieta, Archbishop of San Jose stated on the same day "I fervently desire that legal means be found to impede this festival from being carried out, and that our people, men as well as women, express in a dignified and civilized fashion their complete rejection of the festival." He added "Its a terrible example for our youth and goes against our values and offends the ethical and religious feelings of a large majority of Costa Ricans." Minor de Jesus, a Parish Priest who appears frequently on television, stated that "I feel sorry that in Costa Rica we open the doors for the realization of a Gay/Lesbian tourist congress, which is debauchery." He also criticized the relationships of gay couples as going against nature, and being 'corrupt and loose.' He insisted that his listeners should call the Municipality of Quepos, site of the proposed festival, to oppose it, and concluded saying that he would like to be part of any demonstration against the activity. We believe that these individuals, who have significant influence here, are creating and promoting a climate of hate and discrimination in the population. For the reason we believe that: *they are violating article 48 of Costa Rican General Law 7771 which refers to discrimination on the basis of "sexual option." *Article 385 of the Penal Code which penalizes those who incite hate and publicly spread information designed to humiliate others. *Article 26 fo the Political Constitution which guarantees the right to hold peaceful, non-violent gatherings. *Article 33 of the Constitution which establishes the equality of all citizens before the law and prohibits discrimination against human dignity. *Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that "all people have the right to meet and associate." *The San Jose Treaty (American Convention of Human Rights) in article 13, which establishes the respect for the reputation and rights of all people. In general we consider that our rights as people have been violated and that ,with respect to the church, this is not an isolated case. Therefore, in the case of the Archbishop and the Priest we are asking the respective institutions of our government to impose the penalties indicated by law. With respect to our President, we are asking that the Defensoria de los Habitantes make it clear to him that he cannot violate the laws of our country. Please your letters of support to Case of President Rodriguez Defensoria de los Habitantes Licensiada Sandra Piszk Re: File # 5387-22-98, oficio #318-98 Oficio. # 318-98 e-mail: defensor@sol.racsa.co.cr with copy to us at atrirosa@sol.racsa.co.cr Case of Archbishop Arrieta: Send e-mail to us at atrirosa@sol.racsa.co.cr referring to Case # 98-0035-15-626FC Case of Father De Jesus: Send e-mail to us at atrirosa@sol.racsa.co.cr referring to Case #98-0035-14-626FC Asociación Triangulo Rosa Apartado 1619-4050 Alajuela, Costa Rica Tel: 506-258-0214 Fax: 506-258-0635 e-mail: atrirosa@sol.racsa.co.cr