Culture

The nation of Uruguay is socially progressive. France was 12 years behind Uruguay in granting the vote to women. Contrary to Argentina, Chile, or Paraguay, Uruguay is a secular state that has not funded any religion since 1917. The majority of the people are Catholic, however they are not extremely devout.

Compared to Brazil, Uruguay is less accepting of its gay and lesbian community. There are a few gay and lesbian pubs in Punta del Este and Montevideo, but there isn't a visible "queer" community anywhere else.

Ciudad Vieja is home to the sole public memorial honoring sexual diversity (the old city). However, it is regarded as secure and hospitable for gay and lesbian tourists and was the first country in Latin America to approve a law permitting civil unions. In Uruguay, gay marriage is completely legal. Gay tourists and expats rarely face overt discrimination, even in rural places.