Marriage equality is now law in Costa Rica.
The country became the first in Central America on Tuesday to legally recognize same-sex marriage.
"Today, Costa Rica officially recognizes same-sex marriage," President Carlos Alvarado Quesada wrote on Twitter.
"Today we celebrate liberty, equality and our democratic institutions. May empathy and love be the compass that guide us forward and allow us to move forward and build a country that has room for everyone."
The move to marriage equality follows an August 2018 ruling by the country's Constitutional Court, which ruled that laws preventing same-sex marriage were unconstitutional.
The Court gave the legislature 18 months to enact marriage equality, or have the ruling recognizing same-sex marriages automatically go into effect once the deadline expired.
Costa Rica's decision also follows an opinion issued by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in January 2018. The Central American country had asked the court to determine whether it was obligated to extend property rights to same-sex couples.
Couples celebrated the country's decision by holding weddings overnight.
Alexandra Quiros and Dunia Araya were among the lovebirds who tied the knot on Tuesday, holding a marriage ceremony in Heredia.
LGBTQ advocacy organizations also celebrated the move.
"Costa Rica is celebrating today: marriage equality has become a reality in the country - the first one in Central America!" the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World) said. "We rejoice with you: congratulations to all those who worked so hard to make it happen!"
The Human Rights Campaign also cheered the decision, though it added that more work needed to be done to achieve marriage equality around the world.
"Today, Costa Rica has made history, bringing marriage equality to Central America for the first time," HRC President Alphonso David said in a statement.
"Costa Rica's LGBTQ community has worked tirelessly for years to make today a reality. This victory is theirs, and it inspires the entire global LGBTQ community to continue fighting to move equality forward."
Latest Stories
-
Reintroduce Fiscal Responsibility Act to tackle election budget overrun – Osafo Marfo
46 seconds -
Prioritise transparency, avoid suppressing the truth – Opoku-Agyemang advises EC
6 mins -
In times of setbacks, I won’t say I was only the driver’s mate – Naana Jane assures Mahama
8 mins -
Joselyn Dumas opens up on why single mothers struggle to find partners
10 mins -
Three damaged ECG pylons result in power outage for 9 Shama communities
13 mins -
Dual citizens eligible for Chief Justice, Chief Director, other positions – Supreme Court rules
1 hour -
SIGA urges increased financial support for SOEs
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo vows to enhance Ghana’s power supply
1 hour -
19 steps for getting over even the most devastating breakup fast
4 hours -
8th Ghana CEO Summit launched with focus on AI transformation, economic diversification
4 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang has not been given a fair appraisal – Ablakwa
5 hours -
Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Keta and Anloga districts, residents count their losses
5 hours -
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
5 hours -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
5 hours -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
5 hours