Uruguay Lifting Military’s Ban on Gays. United States? Not So Much

Already more progressive than the United States on same-sex unions, Uruguay is also leading the way in the military: The country’s armed forces is lifting the ban on gays serving, which has been in place for the better part of three decades. Officially, the defense ministry struck homosexuality from the “mental illnesses and disorders” that would keep someone from enlisting; disturbingly, however, folks as young as 15 can sign up.

One final step before it’s all said and done: the signature of President Tabare Vazquez.

Thank goodness Urugay’s president is not America’s.

Don’t get us wrong: Uruguay’s military still has its (major) problems. But at least they’re erring on the side of equality in this situation.