A province in Argentina has set a 1% hiring quota for transgender workers to local government employment.

The rule was passed unanimously by the Buenos Aires Province Senate last Thursday, reports USA Today. Around 13million people – or 30% of the country’s population – live within the area, which includes the capital city of Buenos Aires.

The text of the law states that it will extend to, ‘transvestite, transsexual, and transgender people older than 18 years of age, that comply with the ideal conditions for the post they are applying to.’

The original author of the law welcomed its passing.

‘Today is a historic day. We’re taking a big step towards equity and we are placing our province at the forefront of the recognition of a group that is among the most marginalized,’ said Karina Nazabal in a statement.

Supporters of the law say that it will help to tackle societal stigma towards transgender people and to integrate trans people into the workforce.

It follows Argentina passing its Gender Identity Law in 2012; legislation that the World Health Organization described as the most progressive gender-identity law on the planet.

That law allows trans individuals to officially change their names without having to go through legal or psychological examinations, and makes it the Government’s responsibility to pay for surgical procedures and hormone therapy to aid transition.

Furthering marking it out as one of the most progressive countries in the world in relation to LGBTI rights, last week it lifted its ban on gay men donating blood.

The Buenos Aires 1% employment law change was widely welcomed by LGBTI groups.

‘We are extremely happy because we never thought we could reach such an important moment,’ said trans activist Diana Sacayan to the Telam news agency. ‘But despite this great achievement, we must continue working to create a cultural change.’

Sacayan pointed out that, until now, many transgender people in Argentina resort to prostitution to make money, and that this new law will help to break down employment barriers.

H/T: USA Today

Image: Barcex – Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5 via Commons.