Public employees’ union rejects president’s claim that Costa Rica treats LGBTIQ+ people equally.
2026 June 9
The Diversity Section of the National Association of Public and Private Employees (ANEP), one of Costa Rica’s largest unions, issued a public statement rejecting President Laura Fernández’s assertion that the country is “up to date” on LGBTIQ+ rights and that all people are treated equally.
ANEP Diversidad stated that “to say that in Costa Rica all people are treated equally and enjoy the same rights is a false affirmation.” The group added that “real equality has not yet been achieved. Denying inequalities does not eliminate them. On the contrary, it deepens them.”
The union emphasized that trans and non-binary people in particular continue to face greater obstacles in accessing dignified employment, comprehensive healthcare, and economic opportunities. It pointed to persistent gaps including the absence of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering sexual orientation and gender identity, insufficient labor-inclusion policies, and inadequate protections against hate speech.
The statement came amid broader concern from civil society organizations over the new administration’s direction, including Costa Rica’s withdrawal from the OAS LGBTIQ+ Core Group and the elimination of the LGBTI commissioner figure.