Homosexuality in Uruguay

Geographical location of Uruguay

In Uruguay , homosexuality is socially accepted. Uruguay is one of the most liberal states in South America .

legality

Homosexual acts have been legalized in Uruguay since 1934. The age of consent is uniformly 15 years.

Anti-discrimination laws

An anti-discrimination law has existed at the statutory level since 2004 , which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation . A commission was set up in Uruguay in March 2007 to prosecute discrimination. Homosexual people can serve in the armed forces, the Fuerzas Armadas del Uruguay .

Recognition of same-sex marriages

LGBT community, Montevideo

Registered civil partnerships are possible in Uruguay from January 1st, 2008. The law on the nationwide approval of registered civil partnerships was largely initiated by Senator Margarita Percovich . President Tabaré Vázquez signed the law on December 27, 2007. After the House of Representatives , the Uruguayan Senate has now passed a clear majority on equality for gay couples in adoption law - the law is an extension of children's rights, explained a senator. In the spring of 2011, a bill to open marriage was introduced in parliament by the ruling left-wing party alliance "Frente Amplio" (Broad Front) under the leadership of MP Sebastián Sabini . On December 12, 2012, the bill was passed by a large majority in parliament. The Senate also approved a comparable draft law on April 2, 2013 with 23 votes to 8. Since the bills of parliament and senate differ slightly, a mediation committee has to adjust the bills slightly before both chambers vote on them again. President José Mujica had already announced that he would sign the law as soon as possible. This approval was given in the House of Commons on April 11, 2013, and the marriage law was signed by the President on May 7, 2013. That law came into force on August 1, 2013.