QCOSTARICA — The streets of downtown San Jos were filled with rainbow flags as people marched along Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda in a festive atmosphere. Crowds chanted against hate crimes and discrimination, and shouted for “sexual freedom!”.
But on the eve of the parade, the planned celebrations in the capital were marred by the sacking of Ministra de Cultura (Culture Minister), Nayuribe Guadamuz and Comisionado de Inclusión Social (Social Inclusion Commissioner), Ricardo Sosa, for giving official backing to the LGBTQ event.
That decision was taken “without the authorization of the president” and “the declaration of cultural interest of the event has been annulled by the government this afternoon,” according to a government statement.
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According to Casa Presidencial, organizers had not obtained proper approval for the rally.
The spokesman for the Diversity March, Geovanny Delgado, said on Saturday that the group went through the correct procedures. “The Great Diversity March will take place as planned tomorrow, Sunday, June 30, at noon. The event has all the permits and legal requirements for its implementation.” declared Delgado on Saturday.
“We regret that the dismissals in the Executive Branch occurred due to support for our organization. It seems to us a very dangerous signal that leaders are persecuted for supporting organizations that defend human rights, which is contrary to the pluralistic and democratic content of Costa Rican laws, and is part of the official statement of the organization,” added Delgado.
“It is a tantrum, ultraconservative, homophobic, around the argument that was given about the demonstration (…) It portrays in full body a Government that has no respect for Human Rights, no vision of inclusion, of understanding that we live in a diverse society, but Don Rodrigo’s gesture leaves them naked as sectors that promote spaces to strengthen hatred,” was the statement by Frente Amplio (FA) legislator, Ariel Robles, joining the wave of criticism against Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves.
Despite the government’s rejection, thousands participated in the 15th annual edition of the Marcha por la Diversidad (Diversity March) in Costa Rica on Sunday, June 30, evidenced by the photographs of the event, which began at the statue of León Cortés, in La Sabana, traveled along Paseo Colón and culminated in the Plaza de la Democracia.
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The organization decided to return to its linguistic roots, changing its name from “PRIDE” to “Orgullo Costa Rica.”
“We want to reaffirm our commitment to the Spanish language and our national identity,” said Juan Pablo Villalta, president of the organization.
No incidents were reported during the activity.
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