Frente Amplio proposes ban on conversion therapies in Costa Rica

The Frente Amplio political party in Costa Rica has introduced a new legislative project to prohibit and sanction efforts to change sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, referred to as ECOSIG.

Deputy Antonio Trejos stated that these practices, often mislabeled as therapies, are unsupported by scientific evidence and can lead to depression, isolation, self-harm, and increased suicide risks. The party characterizes these interventions as forms of torture.

The proposal seeks to reform the General Health Law to prevent health professionals and establishments from performing, prescribing, promoting, or referring patients to such practices. Non-compliance could result in administrative warnings, immediate cessation of activities, and fines ranging from one to five base salaries issued by the Ministry of Health.

This initiative updates a previous 2018 proposal that was archived due to the expiration of its four-year term. The new text aims to establish a regulatory framework based on scientific health perspectives while including specific exceptions for family conversations and sermons.