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Inside Costa Rica, May 04:

Constitutional Court To Decide on Gay Marriages
It wouldn't be until later in the day that the Sala Constitucional or Sala IV as it is known will begin to discuss the appeal that would allow marriage between partners of the same sex.

A number of homosexuals will be on hand for the hearings will decide if gay couples have the same equal protection of rights as straight couples.

Ch*ld adoption is a major part of the controversy.

Holland was the first country to legalize gay marriages. This year Spain made a turnabout from a firm no to a yes to allow same sex marriages and to benefit from all the legal rights as traditional marriages.

Though the case is going before the Constitutional court today, a decision is not expected until sometime in June.

Seven magistrates will hear the arguments and made decision on the Constitutionality of gay marriages, specifically Article 14, section 6 of the Código de Familia (Family Code), which says that "it is leally impossible marriages... between people of the same sex".

The appeal to that section of the law was first made in July of 2003 and has been in study since. Today's hearings is for the benefit of the magistrates who will hear the opinions on the matter, including those of the Attorney General.

Expected to present arguments are groups both in favour and against the union that may include up to 94 people giving testimony.

The major argument in the appeal is that the Código de Familia discriminates people of the same sex in contracting marriage and violating the basic concept of equality and liberty of expression established in the Constitución Política (political constitution) of the country.

The pro group will argue for the rights of adults of the same sex to demonstrate their love, voluntarily and openly and be able to get married without having their rights violated.

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