Uruguay, South America

Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America. The economy is largely based on agriculture. The country is on the whole more stable than in its surrounding states, and it maintains a solid reputation with investors. Uruguay is the least corrupt country in Latin America (along with Chile),[ with its political and labor conditions being among the freest on the continent. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1934. Then the age of consent became equal at 15, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender, however the corruption of persons under the age of 18 is criminalized since 1994. Incitement to hatred on the ground of sexual orientation has been prohibited since 2003, and in 2004 an anti-discrimination law was passed. Uruguay was the first Latin American Country to legalize civil unions under national legislation.

 

 

Trans people in Uruguay can now self-identify their gender, without surgery

Uruguay just took huge steps towards equality with a tonne of new trans laws Transgender people in Uruguay are celebrating after the country’s Congress passed a comprehensive trans law yesterday (18 October). The law brings in a host of new rights for transgender people. Most notably, trans people can now self-identify their gender and update… Read more »

March for Diversity illuminates Montevideo in favor of LGBT culture

Since 2006, the March for Diversity illuminates every year the most important avenue in Montevideo with a ‘comparsa’ of thousands of people who dance, celebrate and shout slogans in favor of policies for the rights of the LGBT community. In this year’s edition, held on Friday, many marched with yellow and red handkerchiefs, colors chosen… Read more »

Uruguay’s first out trans senator vows to stand up for LGBT+ rights

Michelle Suarez, Uruguay’s first out trans senator, has vowed to stand up for LGBT+ rights in the country. Suarez earlier this month became the first transgender senator in Uruguay. The 34-year-old politician took her seat in the upper chamber of Congress on 10 October. And in a new interview, Suarez has vowed to stand up… Read more »

The Uruguayan government is drafting a law to pay reparations to transgender people

Sandra Valin, who is transgender, was born in 1974 and said growing up in Uruguay, her mom wouldn’t allow her to leave home alone. “When I was a kid I was a target because I was flamboyant and feminine, it was horrible, and it didn’t end with the dictatorship – the persecution continued into the… Read more »

Former Uruguayan President Jose Mujica Say Recognizing Gay Marriage Is Accepting ‘Reality’

Jose “Pepe” Mujica, the former president of Uruguay, said this week that recognizing the marriages of gay and lesbian couples is simply accepting “reality.” Uruguayan lawmakers in 2013, while Mujica was in office, approved a number of liberal policies, including laws legalizing same-sex marriage, abortion rights and marijuana. Following a meeting with the president of… Read more »

Uruguay Celebrates First Anniversary Of Marriage Equality

Uruguay this week celebrated the first anniversary of marriage equality. According to the Civil Registry of Montevideo, which half of the nation’s 3.3 million citizens call home, 134 gay and lesbian couples have tied the knot since a marriage law approved by lawmakers took effect on August 5, 2013. However, Attorney Michelle Suarez, a legal… Read more »

The LGBT, feminist and student voices behind Uruguay’s radical reforms

From legalising abortion to transsexual rights, marginalised groups have united to become a formidable force for change One tiny country has been blazing a liberal trail across Latin America. In the past six years, Uruguay has introduced ground-breaking legislation on abortion, drugs, transsexual rights, and same-sex marriage and adoption. While President José “Pepe” Mujica and… Read more »

Uruguay President Jose Mujica: Gay Marriage Is Ancient, Not Modern

In a wide-ranging interview published Sunday, Uruguay President Jose Mujica said allowing gay couples to marry is simply recognizing reality. Lawmakers last year approved a number of liberal policies, including legalizing gay marriage, abortion and marijuana. Uruguay’s marijuana law takes effect next month. “We apply a simple principle: To recognize the facts. Abortion is as… Read more »

First Gay Couple Registers To Marry In Uruguay

A gay couple together 14 years was the first to register to get married as a new marriage law in Uruguay took effect on Monday. Sergio Miranda and Rodrigo Borda completed the registration process in Montevideo at 7:32 AM local time. “We’re celebrating and sharing because this law marks that we all have rights, no… Read more »

Uruguay Gay Marriage Law Takes Effect Monday

A gay marriage law in Uruguay takes effect on Monday, though it might be several days before the first wedding takes place. Among the first expected to marry are two men together 14 years. Sergio Miranda and Rodrigo Borda expect to be the first couple to receive a wedding date from the Registry Office as… Read more »

Uruguay Congress approves gay marriage bill

Congress in Uruguay has voted overwhelmingly to legalise gay marriage, becoming the second country in Latin America to do so, after Argentina. The bill was approved by more than two-thirds of the lower chamber, despite opposition from the Catholic Church. The proposal has already been backed by the upper house. It is expected to be… Read more »

Uruguay: Equal marriage bill passes Senate and is ‘nearly certain’ to become law

The Uruguayan Senate today passed a bill which would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry, and which is expected to be approved and signed into law. The bill to legalise same-sex marriage passed the Senate 23 votes to 8, and equal rights groups have said that it is “nearly certain” that Uruguay will become… Read more »

Gay Uruguay: Congress Starts Voting on Equal Marriage Law

The country’s parliament began voting this week on 29 articles that will amend the century-old civil code to legalize same-sex marriage. After postponing vote hearings twice in the past year, Uruguay’s congress will decide on a same-sex marriage bill introduced by one of the country’s LGBT rights group, Colectivo Ovejas Negras, or Black Sheep Collective.… Read more »

Uruguay Recognizes Marriage Of Gay Couple

A court in Uruguay has for the first time recognized the legal marriage of a gay couple. Judge Eduardo Martinez recognized on appeal the legality of a marriage entered into in Spain, where Socialists legalized marriage equality in 2005. The binational couple lives in both Uruguay and Spain, El Pais reported. Attorney Michelle Suarez, a… Read more »

Gay Uruguay News & Report 2011

1 Gay Marriage Law Proposed In Uruguay 4/11 2 The Gay Scene in Uruguay 6/11 3 A View from Montevideo 10/11 April 09, 2011 – On Top Magazine 1 Gay Marriage Law Proposed In Uruguay by On Top Magazine Staff A bill that would legalize marriage between two members of the same sex is expected… Read more »

Gay Uruguay News & Report 2000-10

1 Gays March in Uruguay 9/00 1a Prez Disses Gays 2/01 1b A Very Out Lesbian: Uruguayan Lesbian Activist Diana Mines 5/01 2 International LGBT Latino/a Conference: Activists Re-Charge Energy 11/02 3 Uruguay: South America’s hot new gay getaway 1/05 4 Uruguay to pass gay union law 9/06 5 First Hurdle for LGBT Rights Passed… Read more »