May 14, 2009
Uruguay to lift ban on gays in the military
David Foucher READ TIME: 1 MIN.
MONTEVIDEO - Uruguay is moving to lift a ban on homosexuals joining the armed forces.
The defense ministry confirms that Minister Jose Bayardi has signed a decree lifting the ban imposed by the 1973-85 military dictatorship.
The army said Wednesday it has received the decree, which has yet to be signed by President Tabare Vazquez.
The law had barred people with what it called "open sexual deviations" from entering the military academies.
It includes homosexuality among the "mental illnesses and disorders" that make a person unsuitable to join the armed forces.
The new decree states that sexual orientation will no longer be considered a reason to prevent people entering the military.
David Foucher is the CEO of the EDGE Media Network and Pride Labs LLC, is a member of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalist Association, and is accredited with the Online Society of Film Critics. David lives with his daughter in Dedham MA.
