Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Uruguay could pay compensation to trans people for historic persecution

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/08/14/uruguay-could-pay-compensation-to-trans-people-for-historic-persecution/

Pink News/by Joseph Patrick McCormick     08/14/2017

I'd be surprised if this is actually enacted.  But Uruguay is a surprising country.  Historically a poor country, it suffered through decades of brutal military dictatorships in the 20th century.  But over the last few years it has emerged into the light.  In 2010 a progressive President, Jose Mujica Cordano took office.  His term emphasized education, public welfare, and economic development.

Mujica himself was the world's most unpretentious politician.  Unlike many Latin American politicians, he had no interest in enriching himself.  He lived outside of Montevideo at his own modest farm (rather than occupying the ornate Presidential Palace) and donated most of his salary to charities for those in need.  Mujica had earlier been a rebel leader who was imprisoned for years during the dictatorship.

Under Mujica, Uruguay decriminalized homosexual conduct and legalized same-sex marriage.  Though he remains widely popular and respected, Mujica is retired now - Uruguay's Constitution limits Presidents to a single five-year term.  But his successor is following the same path.  All in all, Uruguay has evolved from one of Latin America's darkest places to one of the most enlightened.

Very surprising - but very welcome.  And here we in the US of A are still arguing about bathroom usage.  Unbelievable.