By Associated Press
May 14, 2009 - 4:03:22 PM
Ban was initiated by dictatorship that ruled country from 1973 to 1985
MONTEVIDEO — Uruguay is moving to lift a ban on gays and lesbians 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. May 13 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.
