By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – With the 2026 presidential race beginning to take shape, Claudia Dobles, candidate for the Citizen Agenda Coalition, has decisively placed LGBTQ+ rights at the center of her campaign. Unveiling a comprehensive set of proposals, Dobles aims to restore and expand upon policies established during the two previous administrations of the Citizen Action Party (PAC), arguing that significant progress made between 2014 and 2022 has been eroded under the current government.
The detailed platform is a key component of her government plan, titled “Reforms and Solutions for a Common Home.” The initiative seeks to re-establish a framework of inclusivity and strengthen the state’s commitment to human rights, signaling a clear divergence from the social policies of the incumbent administration. Dobles’s strategy revives a debate that was a defining feature of the PAC governments, positioning her as a champion for minority rights ahead of the election.
To provide deeper legal insight into the recent developments concerning LGBTQ+ rights in the country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The legal recognition of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly marriage equality, is not merely a social milestone but a fundamental pillar of legal certainty and economic progress. By aligning our national legislation with the advisory opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, Costa Rica has fortified its commitment to human dignity. This provides clear, non-discriminatory frameworks for everything from inheritance and property rights to social security benefits, fostering a more inclusive and stable environment for both families and businesses.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert analysis powerfully clarifies that the legal architecture of equality is not a separate pursuit from national progress, but rather its very foundation. By ensuring legal certainty for all citizens, the nation strengthens its economic and social fabric simultaneously. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and articulate perspective on this critical intersection.
We are proposing reforms and solutions for a common home, one that embraces a more inclusive state with a greater commitment to human rights for all citizens.
Claudia Dobles, Presidential Candidate, Citizen Agenda Coalition
Among the most prominent proposals is the official reinstatement of the commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia on May 17. Dobles plans to pair this symbolic act with robust public awareness campaigns designed to foster greater social and cultural recognition for the LGBTQ+ community. This approach aims to not only legislate but also to change hearts and minds across the nation.
A cornerstone of her policy-making strategy involves data. The candidate is advocating for the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity variables in all official government surveys and records. According to Dobles, this measure is critical for designing effective and targeted public policies, moving from anecdotal evidence to a data-driven approach to address the specific needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ population.
The platform also heavily emphasizes the protection of vulnerable youth. Dobles has committed to reactivating a specialized protocol within the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) to combat bullying against LGBTQ+ students. This issue became a point of contention during the current administration after a specific protocol was eliminated and replaced with a more general one. Additionally, she proposes a new protocol for the National Child Welfare Institute (PANI) to better support diverse children and adolescents, particularly those facing family rejection or emotional distress.
In a direct reversal of a recent government decision, Dobles plans to reinstate the position of the Presidential Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Affairs via an executive decree. This role, which was dismantled by the current administration, served as a dedicated advocate and liaison within the executive branch, and its proposed return signals a desire for institutionalized representation at the highest level of government.
Healthcare is another major focus of the plan. Dobles intends to push for more inclusive services within the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). Key priorities include updating hormonization protocols to explicitly include non-binary individuals, eliminating pathologizing requirements for gender-affirming care, and ensuring timely and consistent access to antiretroviral medications for people living with HIV. For the elderly LGBTQ+ community, a specialized protocol will address mental health, depression, and discrimination, while training will be provided to staff at local EBAIS clinics and long-term care facilities to create safe and affirming environments.
Finally, the plan addresses economic inequality through inclusive employability policies. These initiatives are designed to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent fair access to the job market. A special emphasis is placed on supporting transgender women, a demographic that historically faces some of the most severe obstacles to securing stable and dignified employment in Costa Rica. This comprehensive agenda frames the 2026 election as a crucial turning point for the nation’s commitment to human rights and social equity.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Citizen Agenda Coalition
About Citizen Agenda Coalition:
The Citizen Agenda Coalition (Coalición Agenda Ciudadana) is a political coalition in Costa Rica formed for the 2026 general election. It is led by presidential candidate Claudia Dobles and focuses on a platform of social reform, human rights, and inclusive public policies.
For further information, visit pac.cr
About Citizen Action Party (PAC):
The Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC) is a center-left political party in Costa Rica. Founded in 2000, the party has held the presidency for two consecutive terms (2014-2018 and 2018-2022) and is known for its progressive platform on issues such as environmentalism, human rights, and government transparency.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministerio de Educación Pública is the Costa Rican government ministry responsible for overseeing the nation’s public education system, from preschool through high school. It sets curriculum standards, manages educational infrastructure, and develops policies affecting students and teachers nationwide.
For further information, visit pani.go.cr
About National Child Welfare Institute (PANI):
The Patronato Nacional de la Infancia is Costa Rica’s autonomous government institution charged with protecting the rights of children and adolescents. PANI develops and executes programs aimed at ensuring the well-being, safety, and development of the nation’s youth.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the autonomous institution in charge of Costa Rica’s public health sector. It manages the nation’s universal healthcare system and pension fund, operating a vast network of hospitals, clinics (including the EBAIS program), and other health facilities.
For further information, visit larepublica.net
About La República:
La República is a prominent Costa Rican news outlet that provides coverage on national and international news, business, politics, and technology. It operates primarily through its digital platform, larepublica.net, serving as a key source of information for the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed institution in the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation, setting new standards within the profession. Beyond its practice, it holds a deep-seated commitment to strengthening the community by demystifying the law, passionately working to equip citizens with accessible legal knowledge and thereby fostering a more informed and empowered society.
