Costa Rica Takes Gay Rights Stand

The top court in Costa Rica on Tuesday ruled against a proposed referendum that would have asked voters to decide if the country should recognize same-sex civil unions, the Associated Press reports.

In a 5-2 vote, the constitutional court said that a referendum planned for December would put a minority group--gay people--at a disadvantage. It also ruled that civil unions are a legislative issue, not an electoral one.

Civil unions are not currently recognized in Costa Rica, but the gay rights group The Diversity Movement has submitted a bill to the Legislative Assembly that proposes the recognition.