SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Costa Rica will put forth a plan this week to allow civil unions between same-sex couples in the Central American nation, a government official said on Wednesday.

“This week we will launch (draft legislation), honoring the commitment our government made in this area and … we will open a space for consulting with various organizations,” said Ana Gabriel Zuniga, deputy minister of the presidency.

Gay rights activist groups praised the plan, which follows other recent moves to fight discrimination in the country such as extending some social security benefits to same-sex couples, reports Reuters.

Despite Wednesday’s announcement, the current administration has said it does not support same-sex marriage.