It is a pretty sad state of affairs when Uruguay grants more equality to all its citizens than the self-righteous "land of the free and home of the brave." But, that's precisely what is happening now that Uruguay is ending its ban on gays serving in the military - something Barack Obama is afraid to push for lest the Christianists not like him (hasn't he figured out that they will hate him no matter what he does?) Oh, and Uruguay granted civil union rights to same sex couples back in 2007. In short, Uruguay is part of a growing trend where countries that many Americans look down upon in fact grant more civil liberties than those available in the USA. Increasingly, the USA does not live up to its image of a country with abundant freedoms for its citizens. As other nations move forward and become more progressive, the USA stagnate and becomes a false beacon of something less than its claimed ideals. Here are some highlights from 365gay.com on the new developments in Uruguay:*
(Montevido) 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.
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The new decree states that sexual orientation will no longer be considered a reason to prevent people entering the military.
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