TABLE OF CONTENTS

Frequently Asked Questions An Introduction

WHERE CAN I GET MORE DID YOU KNOW THAT ISN’T CAN ONLY CITIES IN STATES 4 Letter from Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation INFORMATION ABOUT THE A CITY? WITH GOOD LAWS GET GOOD 5 Letter from Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of the Equality Federation Institute CITIES RATED? Yes. A few of the places rated in the SCORES? 6 Letter from Richard Florida, “Enduring Growth for Cities is Driven by Diversity” This booklet contains only a summary MEI are “census-designated places” Definitely not. The MEI was 7 Why Cities Should Invest in Equality of the scorecards for each of the 506 which are not incorporated as cities. specifically designed to measure the cities rated on the 2017 MEI. The In that case, we rated the local laws and policies of the municipality, full scorecards are available online at incorporated government that actually not the state. While state law might How It Works www.hrc.org/mei. serves that census-designated place, add to a city’s score, positive state which is usually the county. This is law is not necessary for a city 12 Executive Summary HOW WERE THESE CITIES explained further on page 17. to score 100 points. In fact, 27 17 City Selection CHOSEN? cities in states without statewide 18 2017 MEI Scorecard This year, the cities rated are: the 50 HOW ARE THE SCORES nondiscrimination laws for LGBTQ 21 Scoring Criteria Parts I-V state capitals, the 200 largest cities CALCULATED? people scored 100 points in 2017. 22 Issue Brief: Protecting Youth from Harmful “Conversion Therapy” in the United States, the five largest Cities are rated on a scale of 0-100, 28 Issue Brief: Equal Access to Sex-Segregated Facilities cities or municipalities in each state, based on the city’s laws, policies, IS THIS A RANKING OF THE 30 Acknowledging Context: the cities home to the state’s two benefits, and services. There are BEST CITIES FOR LGBTQ • Not All Cities Are Created Equal largest public universities (including 100 standard points and 20 bonus PEOPLE TO LIVE IN? • Fair Assessment Respects Legal Differences undergraduate and graduate points (bonus points are awarded for No. This is not a ranking of a city’s • Accounting for City Size enrollment), 75 cities & municipalities items which apply to some but not atmosphere or quality of life. It is • Balancing State and Local Laws that have high proportions of same- all cities). For more information on an evaluation of the city’s law and • Understanding Restrictive State Law sex couples (see page 17 for more the scoring system, see pages 21, policies, and an examination of • Effect of Enforcement and Lived Experience information) and 98 cities selected by 24–27. how inclusive city services are of 34 Issue Brief: The Imperative of Responsible Hate Crime Reporting HRC and Equality Federation state LGBTQ people. Some high-scoring groups members and supporters WHERE DID THE INFORMATION cities may not feel truly welcoming FOR THESE SCORES COME for all LGBTQ people, and some What We Found WHY ISN’T WASHINGTON, D.C. FROM? low-scoring cities may feel more RATED? The MEI team conducted the welcoming than their policies might 43 Summary of Results For an explanation as to why research, compiled it into a draft reflect. 48 Table of 2017 Scores Washington, DC is not included in scorecard, and sent the draft 65 Self-Submit the MEI, please see page 17. scorecard to the city for review. 66 What’s Ahead: Changes to the MEI in 2018 Cities had an opportunity to review 70 Acknowledgements the draft scorecard and offer any feedback prior to publication. Success Stories

Research Process 15 Equality Ohio by Northeast Ohio Coordinator Gwen Stembridge 16 Equality Pennsylvania by Managing Director John Dawe, CNP, CFRE The information reflected in this they wished the MEI team to mail. The feedback window lasted 20 HRC Mississippi by State Director Rob Hill publication was gathered by the consider. Our team sent out a letter four weeks. Finally, cities were sent 42 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by Office of Community Affairs Manager Corey Buckner MEI team and compiled into draft in April to mayors and city managers their final scorecards and information 45 Birmingham, Alabama by City Council President Johnathan F. Austin scorecards using publicly available notifying them that their cities were about the MEI 2017 in the same way. 63 The City and County of Denver, Colorado information. Cities were then being rated by email and certified Equality Federation state groups also 64 Columbia, Missouri by Mayor Brian Treece offered an opportunity to review the mail, followed by a draft scorecard were able to review the scorecards scorecards, ask any questions, and sent to the mayors and city managers and provide feedback to the MEI submit any additional information in June also via email and certified team prior to publication. © 2017 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation owns all right, title, ISBN-10: 1-934765-43-0 and interest in and to this publication and all derivative works thereof. Permission for reproduction and redistribution ISBN-13: 978-1-934765-43-2 is granted if the publication is (1) reproduced in its entirety and (2) distributed free of charge. The Human Rights Campaign and the Equality logo are trademarks of the Human Rights Campaign. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation and design incorporating the Equality logo are trademarks of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

IFC2 AN INTRODUCTION hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei 1 AN INTRODUCTION Dear Friends Dear Readers

order to attract and retain the best introduced across 30 states, it is vitally Equality Federation Institute is sexual orientation and gender employees, they must grow their important that these cities are stepping proud to participate in the annual identity, and Equality Ohio celebrated companies in places that protect up to provide protections for their Municipal Equality Index, which Youngstown becoming their 16th. LGBTQ citizens from discrimination LGBTQ residents and visitors. illustrates both the tremendous Freedom Oklahoma won ordinances and actively open their doors to all progress we have achieved as in Oklahoma City and Norman. communities. We’ve also seen, in places In states with the harshest terrain for well as the challenges that still lie Equality Florida won protections in like North Carolina, that corporate LGBTQ citizens, pro-equality cities are ahead in our fight for equality in the Jacksonville. Fairness West Virginia America’s bottom line is hurt by anti- critical beacons. Forty-one “All Star” communities we call home. This passed ordinances in Lewisburg, equality measures and initiatives. And cities in states lacking comprehensive important tool provides a roadmap Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Charles today, North Carolina shamefully has non-discrimination laws scored above to a future in which every LGBTQ Town, and Wheeling. Equality Wyoming a statewide ban on commonsense 85 points, up from 37 cities last year person experiences fairness and passed nondiscrimination resolutions in non-discrimination protections, due to and just two in 2012. equality no matter where they live. Cheyenne, Douglas, and Gillette. the patchwork of protections across At this very moment, so much of the country. The MEI is the best tool Across the country, we see This year, the report shows that our Seattle, Washington joined the ranks our progress is under siege. In to help these businesses make crucial municipalities that want to spur movement is more united and stronger of major cities banning the dangerous our nation’s capitol and in state evaluations about the welcoming (and development and improve the lives than ever, despite an energized practice of conversion “therapy” legislatures across the country, unwelcoming) nature of towns and of their LGBTQ residents and visitors opposition fueled by a most hostile on minors at the city level, which is anti-equality politicians have been cities across the nation. embrace inclusive policies that protect administration. Federation member shockingly still legal in many places. emboldened by a political climate the fundamental rights of all. We are organizations, from Equality Florida to Equality Pennsylvania and Equality where hate and discrimination have Non-discrimination ordinances, city proud to work alongside leaders in Freedom Oklahoma, have flexed their Ohio passed similar ordinances in entered the mainstream. They are services, employment policies and cities and towns across the country muscles, scoring many historic wins in Allentown and Athens. attempting to rip away decades benefits, and law enforcement who understand this principle and are key municipal policy arenas. of progress, and they are using practices continue to be at the core committed to ensuring the full equality Now more than ever, we must prioritize the lives of LGBTQ people and of this report – and cities are stepping for all those who work and live in their Cities and towns are leading the local wins to propel us forward to the our families for their own cynical up to meet these challenges like communities. charge to ensure everyone is treated day we enjoy full equality in every town, political gain. never before. fairly under the law while we continue county, and state in the nation. This work would not be possible to work toward comprehensive But at a time when it would be easy to A record-setting 68 cities earned without our partners at the Equality nondiscrimination protections in Onward! grow weary and complacent, cities and perfect scores for advancing fully- Federation Institute and the statewide employment, housing, and public towns are leading the way forward. inclusive policies and practices --​-​ ​more LGBTQ organizations and leaders accommodations in the 32 states than six times the number of 100-point who work to bring equality to the where they are lacking. This year, This year’s Municipal Equality Index cities since the MEI’s inaugural edition communities they call home. By Equality Pennsylvania celebrated REBECCA ISAACS (MEI) paints a vivid picture: cities big in 2012. These 68 cities should rise to working in coalition, we continue to Carlisle becoming the 37th municipality Executive Director and small, in red and blue states alike, the top of the lists for CEOs making expand the map for equality in all to provide protections based on are continuing our progress toward relocation and expansion decisions. corners of our country. Equality Federation Institute full equality, regardless of the political This year, 111 cities offer trans- drama unfolding in Washington, D.C. inclusive healthcare benefits to city Sincerely, and in state legislatures across employees, compared to 86 last year. the country. These policies are having a life-

The MEI also serves as a vital tool for changing impact on millions of LGBTQ Now more than ever, we must prioritize business leaders and municipal officials people and their families. Indeed, CHAD GRIFFIN alike when it comes to economic this year’s MEI found that 24 million President local wins to propel us forward to the development. As businesses look for people live in localities that have more Human Rights Campaign Foundation day we enjoy full equality. expansion or relocation opportunities, comprehensive, transgender-inclusive it has become standard practice to non-discrimination laws than the state prioritize inclusive communities that they call home. During a year in which value diversity. CEOs know that in more than 130 anti-LGBTQ bills were

4 AN INTRODUCTION hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei AN INTRODUCTION 5 Enduring Growth for Cities is Driven by Diversity Why Cities Should Invest in Equality

The nation’s top talent and Laws and policies that exclude—even Beyond the important issues of The Fortune 500 has long recognized The competition to attract new businesses alike place a high prejudicial rhetoric from local officials— fairness and equality lies an additional that top talent is attracted to business will only get more fierce premium on a community’s dissuades top talent from planting roots reason for cities to take matters of inclusiveness. In fact, the private sector as the disparity between the two openness and the legal equality it in a community, instead leading them equality seriously: it is good business. has been using fair workplaces as a Americas—the one America where affords all of its residents. to settle down in similar, more inclusive Cities are in constant competition for tool to recruit and retain top talent states offer near-legal equality for environments. Cities with anti-equality residents, business, and employees, for years, because fair workplaces LGBTQ people and the other where Innovators and entrepreneurial reputations send a message to visitors, and inclusiveness is an important factor enhance an employer’s reputation, even the most basic state protections talent want to live, work and play in residents and businesses that they are that attracts all three. increase job satisfaction, and boost don’t exist—continues to grow. a community that not only embraces not welcome, harming a city’s potential employee morale. diversity, but celebrates it. And for growth and increased revenue. A growing body of research has shown Businesses will increasingly have businesses want to exist where their that cities that have vibrant gay and Cities are subject to the same to evaluate the legal landscape employees can live and work free from In short, LGBTQ equality is a moral lesbian communities have higher levels incentives for their employees, and offered by a potential new location ©Jaime Hogge the specter of discrimination. LGBTQ- imperative that pays—one that’s even of income, life satisfaction, housing must compete with the private sector in in its calculation of where to expand equality is essential to the formula that more important than ever given the values, and emotional attachment offering inclusive policies and benefits operations; in the America where attracts the very best in art, science, recent unprecedented rollback of hard- to their community as well as higher for their LGBTQ employees or risk state protections are weak, cities are business and education—the formula won LGBTQ federal protections. concentrations of high-tech business. losing their best employees to more under additional competitive pressure that spurs enduring economic growth. inclusive employers. to institute municipal protections that The Municipal Equality Index highlights Additionally, college-educated people’s make up for the deficiencies at the The creative class is comprised laws and policies that cities can migration is strongly correlated with a Cities would be well-advised to respond state level. of more than 40 million people—a use to make their community more city’s concentration of gay and lesbian to the workplace considerations third of the U.S. workforce—and LGBTQ-inclusive. It assesses cities people, more so than city size, city measured by the MEI, some of which includes scientists, engineers, on their non-discrimination laws, wealth, and even the weather. are associated with minimal cost and entrepreneurs; researchers LGBTQ-inclusive employee practices, and pay dividends in productivity and and academics; architects and inclusiveness in city services and law Richard Florida’s fascinating work on retention. designers; artists and entertainers; enforcement; and their leadership’s this subject reveals a link between a and professionals in business, media, outspoken commitment to equality. city’s inclusivity and its ability to attract management, healthcare and law. The Taking these steps can help cities not top talent and innovative business. best in these fields are in search of only do the right thing, but create fairer a home that is both collaborative and economic opportunity for all. diverse, and where the creative class goes, businesses follow. RICHARD FLORIDA Director of the Martin Prosperity Highly skilled workers select where to Institute at the University of Toronto’s live based on several factors including Rotman School of Management; Cities are in constant competition for culture and amenities as well as Global Research Professor at New residents, business, and employees, and politics and ideology. Among these York University; Senior Editor with considerations is how welcoming a The Atlantic; and author of The Rise of inclusiveness is an important factor community is to residents and visitors the Creative Class. that attracts all three. of every walk of life. Cities with LGBTQ-inclusive laws, policies and services are more likely to attract new residents, visitors and enterprises, resulting in a higher quality of life and a stronger sense of community.

6 AN INTRODUCTION hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei AN INTRODUCTION 7 HOW IT WORKS CITIES RATED BY THE MEI

The Municipal Equality Index rates municipalities of varying sizes drawn from every state in the nation.

2017 506 CITIES 94,237,171 TOTAL POPULATION RATED

SMALL CITIES 1–100,000

MEDIUM CITIES 100,000–300,000

LARGE CITIES 300,000+

10 HOWHOW ITIT WORKSWORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOWHOW ITIT WORKSWORKS 11 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Cities Boldly Leading the Way to Equality

Now in its sixth edition, the As has been true each year following This year saw the most perfect scores The overall increase in city scores this PROGRESS ON In the South, pro-equality efforts Municipal Equality Index (MEI) the debut of this report in 2012, ever, with 68 municipalities earning a year sends the promising message NONDISCRIMINATION led to historic progress. This year, demonstrates in the most municipal leaders are becoming 100-point rating (compared to 60 last that municipalities from every corner PROTECTIONS Birmingham became the first city in comprehensive form just how much increasingly aware of what truly year). Overall, the national average of the country—no matter their size or Despite the wave of anti-LGBTQ Alabama to pass an LGBTQ-inclusive can be accomplished by tenacious equal and inclusive laws, policies, and increased from 55 in 2016 to 57 points. political leaning—continue to strive to legislation introduced in state nondiscrimination ordinance that city leaders who stand up for full services look like, and have made realize the fundamental American value legislatures this year—as well as the protects residents in every area of life. LGBTQ equality. sustained efforts to inch closer and When examined by state and region, that no one should live with the fear of concerted rollback of federal LGBTQ closer to the ideal of full equality. pro-equality municipal progress over being fired, evicted, or excluded from safeguards—cities continued to enact Cities also undertook administrative the past year becomes even more public places simply because of who crucial protections for their residents, changes to make their city employment This year’s MEI demonstrates this evident. Compared to 2016, thirty-six they are or who they love. visitors, and employees. Municipal and contracting policies more inclusive. encouragingly steady forward motion, state averages increased and 3 legislators in Wheeling, West Virginia Eighteen new cities extended their manifesting in increased state held steady. and Carlisle, Pennsylvania took equal employment opportunity policy averages, regional averages, and the bold step of passing LGBTQ- to expressly include sexual orientation national average. In a year marked by Alabama’s city average grew the most, inclusive protections covering private and gender identity since last year, a wave of anti-LGBTQ state bills and with a laudable increase of 17 points employment, housing, and public and thirteen more cities extended the an unprecedented rollback of hard- since the 2016 report. MEI-rated Iowa accommodations this past year. same employment nondiscrimination won federal LGBTQ protections, the cities came in behind Alabama cities requirements to their contractors. MEI reveals many new pinnacles of with an 8-point average increase, municipal equality across the country. and MEI-rated cities in New Jersey and West Virginia followed suit with a Of the 68 cities that scored 100 points: PRO-EQUALITY ADVANCES ALL statewide city average increase of AROUND 7 points. In nearly every regard, the 2017 MEI represents an improvement over This upward trend is mirrored when previous years. Comparisons to 2016’s this year’s data is viewed through data provide direct insight into how a regional lens. Every region of the cities improved, given that this year’s country experienced a mean score scorecard and cities rated remained increase. MEI cities in the Southeast unchanged from last year. demonstrated the largest average score growth, rising by four points from a mean of 39 in 2016 to 43 in 2017.

Top State Average Increases Since 2016

12 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 13 SUCCESS STORY: EQUALITY OHIO

The larger picture is hopeful. 19 states NEW RECORDS The exciting progress demonstrated One of the most important It’s tempting to skip those hard A victory matters to people’s lives. and well over 100 cities, including The 2017 MEI ushered in a number of by the 2017 MEI is achieved through lessons we’ve learned is that conversations in order to push all but two of the 20 largest cities in new and exciting milestones, which are the unwavering dedication and passion when you are trying to implement through policy, check a box, and Celebrating the people the United States, have fully-inclusive outlined below. of local advocates and officials. As protections for LGBTQ people, remind our legislators that cities are that municipal work helps is nondiscrimination protections for the most direct representatives of the the process is just as important doing what they won’t. But these contagious ­— we’re doing it right transgender people in places of public • Highest number of perfect people, municipal leaders are best as the product. You can’t rush. sometimes difficult conversations when the city council bursts out into accommodation. More than 135 million scores: 68. situated to understand and respond People are invested in their must be had, so we dutifully join local applause after a vote and I get emails asking how someone can make Americans—or 42 percent of the • Largest number of cities that offer to the needs of the communities home, and if you’re going to city council meetings week after change in their city. U.S. population—live in jurisdictions their employees transgender- they represent. The most basic such change things ­— even for the week, sharing our stories of how truly with these protections. Notably, inclusive healthcare benefits: 111. need is the assurance of safety and better ­— you have to hear about important LGBTQ protections are. municipalities are at the forefront, equality at work, at home, and in the their vision of their community. In a way, both lessons are about providing 24 million Americans with • Record number of “All-Star” Cities, community. When cities extend an A second lesson that I reflect on people realizing their power and more robust gender identity-protections or cities that scored above 85 points unqualified welcome to everyone— That means educating people on is that the work has real people taking action to make our world than offered under state law. despite being in states with no including LGBTQ people—the entire why people value living in cities that behind it. better. state-level LGBTQ protections: 41. community benefits. The MEI is the affirm LGBTQ people and bringing This mother of a transgender child is Not a bad reason to get up in • Most LGBTQ liaisons in the city most comprehensive guide on how into the process the people who not just media-trained and coached the morning. executive’s office and police to ensure a city’s message of full should know about the change, like for testimony; this is a woman who department: 134 and 148, inclusivity resonates loud and clear. It is small business owners. chose to raise a child in this city and respectively. the best roadmap to ensuring that all of a city’s residents are protected equally Sometimes they can be hesitant. wants the city to value them as much • Most municipalities with openly GWEN STEMBRIDGE and holistically from discrimination. as any other child. LGBTQ appointed or elected senior Is this more regulation? Is this Northeast Ohio Coordinator officials: 132. a problem here? How much will The man who just came out to his Equality Ohio this cost? workplace is someone whose career is on the line if these protections do Number of Rated Cities Offering Trans-Inclusive Health Benefits not exist.

So we dutifully join local city council meetings week after week, sharing our stories of how truly important LGBTQ protections are.

14 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei SUCCESS STORY 15 SUCCESS STORY: CITY SELECTION EQUALITY PENNSYLVANIA How Cities Were Selected for Rating

Pennsylvania is making great This year, Pittsburgh and Allentown The 2017 Municipal Equality Index These 75 cities with highest WHY ISN’T WASHINGTON, D.C. strides in becoming a more will receive a 100-point score for rates 506 municipalities of varying proportions of same-sex couples RATED? equal state. This is happening the first time. They join Philadelphia, sizes drawn from every state in are drawn from an analysis of the Washington, D.C. is not rated by one municipality at a time. a 100-point city in the MEI since the nation. 2010 Census results by the Williams the MEI, even though it has a high Obstructionist ultraconservatives the inaugural report in 2012. Institute at the UCLA School of Law proportion of same-sex couples and fits in the Pennsylvania legislature Pittsburgh was the first city to pass These include: the 50 state capitals, which ranked the 25 large cities into several of the city selection criteria. have held up fourteen years an ordinance protecting youth the 200 largest cities in the United (population exceeding 250,000), 25 Unlike the cities rated in the MEI, of efforts to pass a statewide from conversion “therapy” in the States, the five largest cities or mid-size cities (population between however, Washington D.C. is a federal nondiscrimination ban. state, followed by Philadelphia and municipalities in each state, the cities 100,000 and 250,000), and 25 small district. This means that it has powers Allentown. Ambler Borough, Dickson home to the state’s two largest public cities (population below 100,000) with and limitations so significantly different This hold was solidified with the City, Wilkes-Barre City, Carlisle, universities (including undergraduate the highest proportion of same-sex from the municipalities the MEI rates 2016 General Election, in which Kennett Square, Phoenixville, and graduate enrollment), 75 cities couples. To be consistent, we rated that the comparison would be unfair— numerous stalwart supporters were Royersford, Camp Hill, Stroudsburg, and municipalities that have high all twenty-five of these small cities, for example, no city rated by the MEI ousted from their Pennsylvania and Upper Dublin Township proportions of same-sex couples and even though some of these small has the legal capacity to pass marriage House and Senate seats. We each passed nondiscrimination 98 cities selected by HRC and Equality “cities” are in fact unincorporated equality, as Washington, D.C. did in are fortunate to have many local ordinances, taking the state Federation state groups members census-designated places. In that 2009. While the District of Columbia municipalities that see the value in total to 44. and supporters. case, we rated the laws and policies is not a state, either, it is more properly protecting LGBTQ citizens from of the applicable incorporated local compared to a state than it is to a city. discrimination and harm. Equality Pennsylvania looks forward government (the entity actually rated, For that reason, Washington, D.C. is to another year of helping even more often the county, will be clearly included in HRC’s annual State Equality municipalities achieve full inclusivity indicated). Index. More information on Washington, for all. D.C.’s laws and policies can be viewed Significant overlap between these on the maps of state laws located categories of cities brings the total at http://www.hrc.org/campaigns/ number of cities rated in the 2017 stateequality-index. JOHN DAWE, CNP, CFRE MEI to 506. In 2012, the MEI rated Managing Director 137 cities; in 2013, 291; in 2014, 353; Equality Pennsylvania and in 2015 we rated 408 cities. As the publication goes on the number of cities rated will continue to increase.

Pittsburgh was the first city to pass an ordinance protecting youth from conversion “therapy” in the state, followed by Philadelphia and Allentown.

16 SUCCESS STORY hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 17 2017 MEI SCORECARD

CITY, STATE 1/2 CITY, STATE 2/2 2017 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD 2017 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD

I. Non-Discrimination Laws STATE COUNTY CITY AVAILABLE IV. Law Enforcement CITY AVAILABLE

This category evaluates whether Employment Fair enforcement of the law includes LGBTQ Police Liaison or Task Force discrimination on the basis of sexual 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 responsible reporting of hate crimes and 0 10 orientation and gender identity is Housing engaging with the LGBTQ community in a prohibited by the city, county, or state in Reported 2015 Hate Crimes Statistics 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 thoughtful and respectful way. 0 12 areas of employment, housing, and to the FBI public accommodations. Public Accommodations 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 SCORE 0 out of 22

SCORE 0 out of 30

V. Relationship with the LGBTQ Community CITY AVAILABLE II. Municipality as Employer CITY AVAILABLE This category measures the city leadership’s Leadership’s Public Position on LGBTQ Equality By offering equivalent benefits and Non-Discrimination in City Employment commitment to fully include the LGBTQ 0 5 protections to LGBTQ employees, and by 0 0 6 6 community and to advocate for full equality. Leadership’s Pro-Equality Legislative awarding contracts to fair-minded businesses, Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare Benefits or Policy Efforts 0 3 municipalities commit themselves to treating 0 6 LGBTQ employees equally. City Contractor Non-Discrimination Ordinance SCORE out of 8 0 0 3 3 0 BONUS Openly LGBTQ Elected or Appointed +0 +2 SCORE 0 out of 24 Municipal Leaders BONUS City Tests Limits of Restrictive +0 +4 BONUS Inclusive Workplace +0 +2 State Law

III. Municipal Services STATE COUNTY CITY AVAILABLE

This section assesses the efforts of the city Human Rights Commission to ensure LGBTQ constituents are included 0 0 5 TOTAL SCORE 0 + TOTAL BONUS 0 = Final Score 0 in city services and programs. LGBTQ Liaison to City Executive’s Office 0 5 CANNOT EXCEED 100

Enumerated Anti-Bullying School Policies 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3

SCORE 0 out of 16

BONUS Enforcement Mechanism in Human +0 +0 +2 Rights Commission BONUS City Provides Services to LGBTQ +0 +2 Youth BONUS City Provides Services to LGBTQ +0 +2 Homeless BONUS City Provides Services to LGBTQ +0 +2 Elders BONUS City Provides Services to people +0 +2 Living with HIV/AIDS PTS FOR SEXUAL ORIENTATION PTS FOR GENDER IDENTITY + BONUS PTS for criteria not accessible to all cities at this time. BONUS City Provides Services to the +0 +2 Transgender Community FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CITY SELECTION, CRITERIA OR THE MEI SCORING SYSTEM, PLEASE VISIT HRC.ORG/MEI. All cities rated were provided their scorecard in advance of publication and given the opportunity to submit revisions. For feedback regarding a particular city’s scorecard, please email [email protected]. hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei

18 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 19 SUCCESS STORY: SCORING CRITERIA HRC MISSISSIPPI I. Non-Discrimination Laws

In Mississippi, some of the These ordinances not only sent a Most of all, what we learned at the It should not be legal to deny PART I POINTS CAN COME greatest strides for equality have strong message of inclusion, they Municipal League Convention and someone the opportunity to work, FROM STATE LAW, COUNTY taken place in cities and towns are tangible acts which enable all through our travel around the state rent a home, or be served in a LAW, OR CITY LAW. across our state. citizens to feel safe and welcome in is that municipalities want to spur place of public accommodation If the state or county has a their hometowns. development and make it known because of their sexual orientation comprehensive and inclusive In June of 2016, the capital city of that their communities are open or gender identity. nondiscrimination law that applies Jackson became the first Mississippi This summer, our team had the to all, especially LGBTQ residents within the city limits, a city may city to pass a comprehensive opportunity to be present at the and visitors. We are proud to work This category evaluates whether conclude it is an inefficient use LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination Mississippi Municipal League’s alongside leaders in cities and towns discrimination on the basis of sexual of resources to pass a local non- ordinance. This came about through summer convention. With across Mississippi who understand orientation and gender identity is discrimination ordinance. For that collaboration with courageous municipal leaders present from this principle and are committed to prohibited within the city in areas reason, so long as the protections Jackson city leaders and our team across Mississippi, we shared ensuring the fundamental equality of of employment, housing, and public of a state or county law apply within at HRC. the many ways cities can improve all who work, live and go to school in accommodations. In each category, throughout city limits, the city their communities. From passing their communities. cities receive five points for prohibiting effectively has such protections, and On March 7, 2017, Magnolia nondiscrimination ordinances discrimination on the basis of the state or county law will earn the became the second city in the to making policies that protect We look forward to continuing to sexual orientation and five points city points in Part I. If there is no state state to pass a fully comprehensive city employees LGBTQ-inclusive, build crucial partnership in cities all for prohibiting discrimination on the or county law, but the city has passed nondiscrimination ordinance. Again, these conversations will help across our state in order to achieve basis of gender identity. There will an ordinance of its own volition, the this achievement came through bold bring about progress. full equality for all Mississippians. be a three-point deduction for non- city will receive credit for those non- city leadership and with the help discrimination protections in public discrimination protections. However, of HRC. accommodations that contain carve- where laws exist at both the city and outs prohibiting individuals from the state (or county) level, the city will ROB HILL using facilities consistent with their not receive double (or triple) points— State Director gender identity. All non-discrimination the maximum points in this section are HRC Mississippi laws ought to be fully inclusive of capped at 30. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Sexual orientation- only protections are not sufficient to protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination.

These ordinances not only sent a strong message of inclusion, they are tangible acts which enable all citizens to feel safe and welcome in their hometowns.

20 SUCCESS STORY hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 21 PROTECTING YOUTH FROM HARMFUL “CONVERSION THERAPY”

WHAT IS CONVERSION THE DANGERS OF PREVALENCE WHAT CAN CITIES DO? In partnership with the National Center THERAPY? CONVERSION THERAPY Though survivors willing to share their Protecting the next generation from the for Lesbian Rights, the Human Rights Conversion therapy has “Conversion therapy,” sometimes In 2007, an American Psychological experiences with conversion therapy devastating health risks of conversion Campaign has developed sample been rejected by virtually referred to as “sexual orientation Association Task Force undertook a may be hard to find in some localities, therapy should be among the primary legislation that can be adapted to the every major mental health, change efforts” or “reparative therapy,” thorough review of existing research conversion therapy unfortunately goals of municipal decisionmakers. local context to protect youth from education, and child welfare encompasses a range of dangerous on the efficacy of conversion therapy. still occurs all across the country. Fortunately, city officials need not these dangerous practices organization in the United practices that seek to change an It confirmed the practice’s inefficacy, Experts estimate that one in three wait for state or federal officials to States, including: individual’s sexual orientation or gender and listed over twenty demonstrated LGBTQ youth have undergone some act on this vital issue. It is well within CONCLUSION identity. These practices are based on harms conversion therapy brings about, form of conversion therapy. Many a municipality’s authority to protect Efforts to change a person’s sexual American Academy of Child and the false premise that being LGBTQ is including decreased self-esteem, survivors from across the nation its youth from conversion therapy orientation or gender identity have no Adolescent Psychiatry scientific merit, and in fact have been a mental illness that needs to be cured increased self-hatred, depression, self- have overcome the shame, fear, hurt providers within city limits, as an American Academy of Pediatrics proven to be incredibly detrimental — a theory that has been rejected for blame, hopelessness, increased risk of and retraumatization they may have exercise of the city’s inherent authority American Association of School decades by every major medical and substance abuse, and even suicide. faced to share their stories in hopes to protect and promote the health, to one’s health and wellbeing. Sadly, Administrators mental health organization. of protecting the next generation safety, and wellbeing of its inhabitants. youth are most vulnerable to these American Association for Marriage Moreover, many LGBTQ youth from being subjected to the same devastating harms, which include and Family Therapy There is no credible evidence that experience conversion therapy as a devastating harms. Additionally, As of this publication, California, depression, homelessness, and American College of Physicians conversion therapy can change a form of familial rejection. Research countless mental health professionals Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada, New suicidality. City officials can and should American Counseling Association person’s sexual orientation or gender from San Francisco State University who treated survivors of conversion Jersey, New Mexico, New York, take leadership on protecting their American Federation of Teachers identity or expression. To the contrary, found that LGBTQ youth who therapy and parents who—once Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and youth from the fraudulent practice American Medical Association research has clearly shown that these experience familial rejection, when the District of Columbia have enacted of conversion therapy by exercising unaware of the dangers—subjected American Osteopathic Association practices pose devastating health risks compared to their counterparts who are laws or regulations to protect minors their legislative authority to protect their children to the practice have American Psychiatric Association for LGBTQ young people. Conversion accepted by their families, are: more opened up in public fora about from being subjected to conversion the health, safety, and wellbeing of American Psychoanalytic Association therapy is condemned by every major than 8 times as likely to attempted witnessing firsthand the grave therapy by state-licensed mental health their residents. To underscore the American Psychological Association medical and mental health organization, suicide, nearly 6 times as likely to have consequences of conversion therapy. providers. Encouragingly, municipalities importance of this issue, next year’s including the American Psychiatric high levels of depression, more than in states that have yet to act have MEI will reward cities for enacting American School Counselor Association Association, American Psychological 3 times as likely to use illegal drugs, forged ahead with local protections, ordinances that protect youth from American School Health Association Association, and American Medical and more than 3 times as likely to including localities in Ohio, Florida, conversion therapy. Interfaith Alliance Foundation Association. be at high risk for HIV and sexually Washington, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. National Association transmitted infections. of School Psychologists National Association of Secondary School Principals LGBTQ Youth Who Experience Familial Rejection Are... National Association of Social Workers National Education Association Pan American Health Organization Protecting the next generation from (PAHO): Regional Office of the the devastating health risks of World Health Organization School Social Work Association conversion therapy should be of America among the primary goals of municipal decisionmakers. 8 X 6 X 3 X 3 X MORE LIKELY TO MORE LIKELY TO MORE LIKELY TO MORE LIKELY TO BE HAVE ATTEMPTED REPORT HIGH LEVELS USE ILLEGAL DRUGS AT HIGH RISK SUICIDE OF DEPRESSION FOR HIV AND STDS

22 HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — PROTECTING YOUTH FROM HARMFUL “CONVERSION THERAPY” hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — PROTECTING YOUTH FROM HARMFUL “CONVERSION THERAPY” 23 II. Municipality as Employer III. Services and Programs

Almost every municipality has CITY PROHIBITS CITY REQUIRES ITS Census data shows that LGBTQ Similarly, an LGBTQ liaison to the While in some cases cities do not immediate control over its DISCRIMINATION IN CITY CONTRACTORS TO people live in virtually every city Mayor or City Manager’s office (5 directly control school districts, it employment policies. Respect EMPLOYMENT HAVE INCLUSIVE in the country, but not every points) is responsible for looking at is nevertheless appropriate to hold for LGBTQ employees is clearly Cities can adopt internal hiring policies NONDISCRIMINATION POLICIES city recognizes that their LGBTQ city policies and services through an the city accountable for leading demonstrated by the inclusiveness that prohibit employment discrimination Cities who take fair workplaces constituents can have different LGBTQ lens and speaking up when a a conversation on something as of these employment policies. (including hiring, promotions, seriously also require city contractors to needs. This section assesses policy or service might exclude LGBTQ fundamental as ensuring children have termination, and compensation) on the have inclusive non-discrimination the efforts of the city to include people. This position is also known to a safe place to learn. basis of sexual orientation (6 points) policies. An equal opportunity ordinance, LGBTQ constituents in city be a friendly ear to constituents who and gender identity or expression (6 as these are sometimes known, services and programs. want to bring LGBTQ-related issues to The MEI also evaluates city services points). It is a fundamental principle of requires city contractors to adopt the city government but are fearful they that address segments of the LGBTQ fairness that an employee should be non-discrimination policies that prohibit Human Rights Commissions do might be dismissed or misunderstood. population who are particularly judged on their ability to perform the adverse employment actions on the important work to identify and eliminate vulnerable and may have specific and responsibilities of a position, and not basis of sexual orientation (3 points) discrimination; even in jurisdictions Anti-bullying policies in schools are also acute needs. While all people age, by who they are or whom they love. A and gender identity or expression where LGBTQ equality isn’t explicitly included in the MEI; a state, county, battle illness, struggle to fit in, and state-level non-discrimination law or (3 points). a part of the commission’s charter, or city may prohibit bullying on the work hard to improve their lot in life, a local non-discrimination ordinance these commissions investigate basis of sexual orientation (3 points) these struggles can be different and alone is not sufficient to earn these Partial credit is awarded to cities complaints, educate the city, and and gender identity or expression (3 particularly difficult for LGBTQ people. points—personnel policies must that do not have an official policy or sometimes enforce non-discrimination points). Where there are multiple school Cities can address these challenges by enumerate sexual orientation and ordinance to this effect, but maintains laws. Human Rights Commissions districts within city limits, credit will only offering services—or supporting a third gender identity in order for the city to a practice of including a qualifying serve as important bridges between be given at the local level if at least party provider of these services—to receive credit. city contractor non-discrimination constituents and their city. 75% of students within these school LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ elders, LGBTQ clause in all city contracts. districts are covered by enumerated homeless people, people who are TRANSGENDER-INCLUSIVE A Human Rights Commission will be anti-bullying policies. HIV-positive or living with AIDS and the HEALTHCARE BENEFITS MUNICIPALITY IS AN worth five standard points if its purpose transgender community (2 bonus points Cities, like other employers, provide INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE is largely or entirely educational. These for each service the city provides). health benefits to their employees, but (BONUS POINTS) commissions may hold community some employees routinely have critical This section measures whether the discussions, screen movies, present and medically necessary treatment city is a welcoming workplace for panels, take public comment, advise excluded from the health care LGBTQ employees as measured by the city on matters of diversity options they are offered. Transgender the following: the city actively recruits and inclusion, develop policies and employees are routinely denied health LGBTQ employees, or conducts strategies for making the city more care coverage for gender-affirming care LGBTQ-inclusive diversity training, or it inclusive, and undertake other similar While all people age, battle illness, struggle such as hormone replacement therapy, has an LGBTQ employee affinity group types of endeavors. Where, in addition gender confirmation surgery, and other (a total of 2 bonus points are awarded if to the functions listed above, a Human to fit in, and work hard to improve their lot in medically necessary care. Municipalities any of these exist). Rights Commission has the authority to life, these struggles can be different and must provide at least one health conciliate, issue a right to sue letter, or insurance plan (6 points) that provides otherwise enforce non-discrimination particularly difficult for LGBTQ people. coverage for transgender healthcare protections, that commission will earn needs (gender confirmation surgeries, two bonus points in addition to the five hormone replacement therapy, and standard points awarded above. other gender-affirming care). The policy must affirmatively include gender- affirming care; a lack of exclusion is not sufficient for an award of points because this care is routinely presumed to be not covered.

24 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 25 IV. Law Enforcement V. Relationship with the LGBTQ Community

The relationship between law However, a police force can ensure Respectful and fair enforcement Leadership is an aspect of policy At first glance, these actions may seem For example, a city would be awarded enforcement and the LGBTQ safety for all by treating LGBTQ people includes responsible reporting of that is not fully captured by to be more symbol than substance; points if the city council passed a community is often fraught with with understanding and respect, hate crimes, including for hate crimes executive orders or the passage however, as HRC reported in its resolution in support of a state level suspicion, misunderstanding, remaining mindful of the LGBTQ based on sexual orientation and of legislation into law. When a city groundbreaking youth report in 2012, non-discrimination bill—while this is and fear. community’s unique law enforcement gender identity, to the FBI (12 points). leader marches in a Pride parade, four in ten LGBTQ youth surveyed said not something the city can legislate, concerns and engaging the community Such reporting demonstrates law a city joins a pro-equality amicus the community in which they live is it is a powerful statement of the city’s LGBTQ people are vulnerable to in a positive way. enforcement’s attention to these brief, a city council dedicates a park not accepting of LGBTQ people, and principles nonetheless. violence arising from bigotry and crimes and ensures that the larger to an LGBTQ civil rights leader, 60% of the youth surveyed said they ignorance, and this danger is only An LGBTQ police liaison (10 points) law enforcement community is able or a city paints its crosswalks in heard negative messages about being The level of support for pro-equality exacerbated when police are perceived can serve as an important bridge to accurately gauge the scope and rainbow colors, it sends a message LGBTQ from elected leaders. legislation is also reflected in this to be part of the problem. between the community and law responses to them. to LGBTQ people that they are a section. The second category rates enforcement. The liaison is an valued part of the community. Further, LGBTQ youth are twice as the persistence of the city leadership advocate for fair and respectful likely as their peers to say they will in pursuing legislation or policies that enforcement of the law as well as need to move from their hometown further equality (on a scale of zero to an officer that the community can in order to feel accepted. When three points). rely upon to appropriately respond elected leaders speak out on matters to sensitive issues. of equality, their constituents do Note that even small or unsuccessful hear—and it informs their constituents’ efforts are recognized in this category, perception of safety, inclusion, and and that these efforts may be belonging. heavily weighted if the city’s political environment is not conducive to This category, therefore, measures the passing pro-equality legislation. commitment of the city to include the LGBTQ community and to advocate for Finally, this section also includes two full equality. opportunities to earn bonus points: OF THE POPULATION IN MEI first, for openly LGBTQ people holding CITIES HAVE AN LGBTQ POLICE The first category rates city leadership elected or appointed office in the LIAISON IN THEIR COMMUNITY (on a scale of zero to five points) on municipality (two bonus points); and its public statements on matters of second, for cities who do all they can in equality, particularly where the city the face of state law that restricts their leadership pushes for equality in the ability to pass LGBTQ-inclusive laws or face of substantial adversity. policies (four bonus points).

When elected leaders speak out on matters of equality, their constituents do hear—and 100% it informs their constituents’ perception of OF 100-POINT CITIES HAVE LGBTQ safety, inclusion, and belonging. POLICE LIAISONS ON THE FORCE

26 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 27 EQUAL ACCESS TO SEX-SEGREGATED FACILITIES

Transgender and gender Some cities and state leaders WHAT CAN CITIES DO? ALL-GENDER SINGLE CONCLUSION nonconforming individuals face have made the unjustifiable and City officials should make the safety OCCUPANCY FACILITIES The dignitary harm caused by forcing WHAT IS GENDER, GENDER disproportionately high levels of discriminatory choice to enact laws IDENTITY, AND GENDER and wellbeing of transgender and Making single-user facilities open to residents to use facilities that do prejudice and discrimination in that force residents to use facilities NONCONFORMING? gender nonconforming residents everyone regardless of gender makes not accord with their gender identity everyday life. These members of that do not align with their gender Gender refers to the a top priority. Cities should enact sense on every level. Not only does it cannot be overstated. What’s more, our community deserve the same identity. These laws attempt to solve characteristics and expectations comprehensive nondiscrimination provide a safe space for transgender rules or ordinances that mandate or dignity and respect as everyone a problem that does not exist and is a society associates with being ordinances that expressly cover and gender nonconforming residents, allow for this type of discrimination else, in every area of life. This consequence of misinformation and male or female. Gender, sexual orientation and gender identity but it benefits everyone by reducing place already-vulnerable transgender includes being afforded the dignity misunderstanding. Moreover, they harm however, is not a simple binary in employment, housing, and public line wait times. People will no longer and gender nonconforming people at of equal access to public facilities the very residents city leaders are of male or female. Rather, gender accommodations. These ordinances have to wait for an occupied single- an even greater risk of harassment, in accordance with the gender they charged with protecting. exists on a broad spectrum. should be free from any carve-outs user restroom while the bathroom for violence, and personal health problems. live every day. that prohibit individuals from using the gender they don’t identify with City leaders should not delay in When people are prohibited from using For some people, their sex facilities that accord with their gender goes unutilized. Moreover, all-gender carrying out their duty to protect the Most people take unhindered access the appropriate restroom, they may opt assigned at birth differs from identity. Further, city leaders should act restrooms eliminate the problems health, safety, and wellbeing of all to restrooms and other sex-segregated to not utilize the facility at all for fear their gender identity, or their swiftly to remove carve-outs allowing that people with disabilities or others residents by ensuring that everyone facilities for granted. Unfortunately, this of the very real possibility that they innate sense of self as male, discrimination in restroom access who have personal attendants of a has equal access to sex-segregated far from reality for many transgender will be harassed or physically harmed. female, a blend of both, or where they exist. different gender sometimes run into facilities. and gender nonconforming people who This in turn can lead to negative health neither. Additionally, some when accessing gendered restrooms. often face stress and anxiety when outcomes. Additionally, as noted members of the LGBTQ Municipal officials can also implement Lastly, making single-use restrooms accessing sex-segregated spaces like earlier, when transgender and gender community identify as gender administrative policies expressly open to all makes it easier for parents public restrooms. Transgender and nonconforming individuals are forced nonconforming, meaning they protecting the right of residents and or guardians with children of a different gender nonconforming individuals into a sex-segregated space that does express themselves in ways that city employees to access facilities gender to access a restroom. face an increased risk of violence not align with their gender identity, they do not follow traditional societal that align with who they are while on and harassment in everyday life, and are placed at risk of becoming victims expectations of gender. city property, accessing city services, this risk is often amplified in sex- of violence. These risks and potential and participating in city programs. In segregated spaces. negative health consequences are addition, city executives should issue exacerbated in the case of young rules designating all single-occupancy people who cannot access facilities restrooms on city property as “all- that align with the gender they gender.” Further, municipal legislators live daily. should extend this rule to all residents by passing an ordinance that requires all single-user sex-segregated facilities Starting in 2018 within city limits to be designated as the MEI will reward cities all-gender. for laws that require all single-occupancy facilities Making single-user facilities open to everyone regardless to be designated for use of gender makes sense on every level. Not only by all genders. does it provide a safe space for transgender and gender SEE PAGE 66 nonconforming residents, but it benefits everyone by reducing line wait times.

28 HOW IT WORKSWORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — EQUAL ACCESS TO SEX-SEGREGATED FACILITIES hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — EQUAL ACCESS TO SEX-SEGREGATEDHOW FACILITIES IT WORKS 29 ACKNOWLEDGING CONTEXT

Not All Cities Are Created Equal Fair Assessment Respects Legal Differences

Some cities have the autonomy BONUS POINTS CONSIDERATION OF STATE The Municipal Equality Index is QUESTION 2 This question can only be answered and wherewithal to pass inclusive First, in addition to the 100 standard LAW carefully designed to rate cities in How could the MEI assess a list of by precisely defining what the MEI is laws and offer cutting-edge points for city laws and services, the Second, the MEI weights state and detail while respecting that a number cities as diverse as those selected designed to do: the MEI is an evaluation city services; other cities are MEI includes 20 bonus points. municipal law such that the effect of factors may boost or inhibit a city’s while acknowledging that the smaller of municipal laws and policies. hampered by severe state-imposed of excellent or restrictive state law ability or incentives to adopt the laws places rated may understandably have limitations on their ability to pass Bonus points are awarded for essential does not determine the city’s ability and policies this project rates. less capacity to engage on LGBTQ It is not a rating of the best places inclusive laws, or they have found programs, protections, or benefits that to score well. issues? for LGBTQ people to live, nor is it that the small scope of their local are not attainable or very difficult to Given the range of authority and an evaluation of the adequacy or government limits their capabilities. attain for some cities; therefore, cities LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP incentives that cities have, and ANSWER effectiveness of enforcement. with the item are rewarded, but cities Third, it also rates the city leadership’s acknowledging that our effort to rate We addressed concerns about a small The MEI is designed to understand without it are not penalized. public position on LGBTQ equality and small cities as well as large cities city’s capacity to affect change by It is not an encapsulation of what it the unique situation of each city and gives credit for legislative efforts (even exacerbates these challenges, the building flexibility into the scorecard feels like to be an LGBTQ person is structured to reward the specific Bonus points can also provide some unsuccessful efforts), so if a city has MEI had to wrestle with three major through the use of bonus points and walking down the street. While some achievements of a local government. leeway for cities that face challenges outspoken advocates for equality who questions in its initial design. by providing multiple avenues toward LGBTQ people may prefer to live in in accomplishing the specific are unfortunately still in the minority, earning points. cities that respect and include them, The efforts and achievements of each achievements the MEI measures, and the city will still receive credit for the QUESTION 1 there are undoubtedly many other city can only be fairly judged within that ensure that every city has the ability to efforts it has made. How could the MEI fairly take state QUESTION 3 factors that make a community a city’s context; while imposing a score improve its score for next year. law into account, particularly as the What do MEI scores say about the welcoming, inclusive place to live. may seem to strip a city of its context, disparity between states with pro- atmosphere for LGBTQ people living the MEI honors the different situations equality laws and states without pro- and working in a particular place? To be clear, the MEI specifically rates from which the selected cities come in equality laws continues to grow? cities on their laws and policies while three major ways: ANSWER respecting the legal and political ANSWER This last point is to recognize that even context the city operates within. It is not The answer is balance; the rating the most thoughtful survey of laws a measure of an LGBTQ person’s lived system would not be fair if cities and policies cannot objectively assess experience in that city. were not able to score a 100 on the the efficacy of enforcement and it MEI without living in a state that had certainly cannot encapsulate the lived favorable state law. Allocating the experience of discrimination that many points carefully to respect the dynamic LGBTQ people—even those living in The MEI is designed to understand relationship between state and local 100-point cities—face every day. the unique situation of each city government was a must, and we concentrated on what the state law and is structured to reward the specific meant for the city being rated. achievements of a local government.

Even the most thoughtful survey of laws and policies cannot encapsulate the lived experience of discrimination that many LGBTQ people—even those living in 100-point cities—face every day.

30 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 31 CITY SIZE NOT PREDICTIVE OF MEI SCORE Accounting for City Size

The MEI rates municipalities The MEI is designed to ensure that A city can earn “Inclusive Workplace” as small as Rehoboth Beach, small cities have the same ability to bonus points for LGBTQ-specific Delaware (2010 population score well on the MEI as large cities do. recruitment for city employment according to the US Census: opportunities; however, if the city is 1,327) and as large as New York First, while some of the criteria might too small to actively recruit, it can earn City (2010 population according to be more challenging for a small city those same points either through an the US Census: 8,175,136). Such a to accomplish, none of the non-bonus inclusive workplace diversity training range in city size creates concerns criteria are prohibitive for small cities. or facilitating a Pride group for city about ensuring that the efforts of Further, flexibility was built into the employees. small cities are not diminished in scoring system to acknowledge that a comparison to the capabilities of small city may accomplish the criteria Having alternative paths to the same large cities. in a slightly different manner: for points and classifying some points example, an LGBTQ liaison may have as bonus accommodates the varying Fairness dictates that the MEI not many other duties, and a Human Rights needs and capabilities of different measure small cities against a standard Commission might be all-volunteer. sized cities. only the metropolitan giants of the country can meet. Second, the MEI uses bonus points An analysis of the MEI’s results over to ensure cities are not being held the past several editions shows these accountable for services that they efforts to accommodate small cities simply are unable to provide. Points worked: small cities were able to score pertaining to a city’s administrative comparably with the large cities. structure and capabilities are generally bonus points and there often are More than half of the cities rated multiple paths to earning the same set qualify as “small”, and these continue of points. to be represented more or less proportionally across the range of scores, including perfect scores. In every edition the data has clearly showed that a city’s score is not well predicted by its size.

Having alternative paths to the same points and classifying some points as bonus accommodates the varying needs and capabilities of different sized cities.

32 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 33 THE IMPERATIVE OF RESPONSIBLE HATE CRIME REPORTING

WHAT ARE HATE CRIMES? For data collection purposes, the FBI Hate crime identification and RESPONSIBLE HATE CRIME Local law enforcement agencies can Sometimes called bias-motivated defines hate crimes as a “criminal reporting is particularly valuable to law REPORTING submit their hate crime data directly crimes, hate crimes are criminal offense against a person or property enforcement officials. Equipped with Under current federal law, annual to the FBI through the Uniform Crime offenses carried out based on a bias motivated in whole or in part by an knowledge of who is at heightened reporting of hate crime incidents that Reporting Program. This should be against a protected characteristic. offender’s bias against a race, religion, risk of hate based violence, law take place within a city’s jurisdiction done even if there are zero recorded Historically, the U.S. Department of disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, enforcement officials can devise is purely voluntary. According to a hate crime incidents during a reporting Justice (DOJ) had jurisdiction over only gender, or gender identity.”1 trainings to educate their police force 2016 Associated Press study, nearly period, since failure to report does violent crimes that were committed on those communities, increasing 17 percent of all city and county law not carry a presumption that zero hate on the basis of race, color, religion or In addition to the federal government, cultural awareness and competency. enforcement agencies nationwide crimes occurred during a reporting national origin. The passage of the the vast majority of states have their These trainings help officers accurately failed to report hate crimes data to the period. Not actively reporting statistics Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, own hate crime laws that protect identify and appropriately investigate FBI in the prior six years. to the FBI will cause the City to be Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act of varying classifications and impose hate crimes. Additionally, complete and excluded from the respective FBI 2009 expanded this authority by: differing reporting requirements. accurate data from municipalities allow Because reporting is not mandatory, report for that reporting period. the FBI to strategically appropriate it is imperative that municipal police • Adding the protected characteristics IMPORTANCE OF HATE CRIME their limited resources to develop the departments take every step possible Detailed training manuals on how to of actual or perceived sexual DATA COLLECTION most useful and effective resources for to ensure that their hate crimes data directly report hate crime statistics orientation, gender identity, Hate crime statistics collection is vital law enforcement support and training. is transmitted to the FBI accurately to the FBI can be found on the FBI disability, and gender; for many reasons. First, hate crimes It further allows the FBI to engage in OF CITY AND COUNTY LAW and on time. Moreover, local legislators website at https://ucr.fbi.gov/ucr- data allow federal, state, and local effective public outreach. ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES NATIONWIDE should ensure that city ordinances program-data-collections. • Enabling DOJ to assist state and officials to assess the severity and FAILED TO REPORT HATE CRIME DATA TO include provisions that require local local jurisdictions with investigations prevalence of bias-motivated crimes Last but certainly not least, accurate THE FBI IN THE PRIOR SIX YEARS police departments to identify and CONCLUSION and prosecutions of bias-motivated against vulnerable communities. With and complete FBI hate crime reports report hate crimes to state law Responsible hate crimes reporting crimes of violence, as well as this information in hand, officials are are invaluable tools for nonprofit enforcement agencies as well as is imperative to the larger law provide grants to cover the costs better equipped to make the legislative organizations whose mission include the FBI. enforcement community’s ability to of investigating and prosecuting and policy changes necessary to education and advocacy on the issues accurately gauge the scope of bias- hate crimes; protect the safety of their most of discrimination, prejudice, crime, and Rules regarding if, when, and how cities motivated crimes and effectively vulnerable residents. Additionally, social justice. must report hate crime data to state law address them. Moreover, centralized • Authorizing federal grants for local centralized data collection disarms enforcement agencies vary by state. hate crime data proves invaluable programs to combat hate crimes those who falsely assert that violence Some state law enforcement agencies to civil society and the vulnerable committed by juveniles, as well based on discrimination and prejudice require local police departments to communities they serve. This is why as programs that train local law is negligible or nonexistent. report hate crime data to the state, and responsible hate crimes reporting is enforcement officers to identify, others merely encourage it. In many weighed so heavily on the MEI. For investigate, prosecute, and prevent states, it is common practice for the more details on what qualifies as hate crimes; and state to collect municipal hate crime responsible hate crimes reporting for data and forward the municipal data to MEI credit, please see pg 26. • Requiring the Federal Bureau of Responsible hate crimes reporting the FBI. However, in some states, this Investigation (FBI) to track statistics multi-step reporting process has led on hate crimes based on gender is imperative to the larger law to transmission errors that result in the and gender identity (in addition to enforcement community’s ability FBI receiving inaccurate or no city data. already-tracked statistics on sexual to accurately gauge the scope Therefore, every locality can and should orientation and other protected OF MEI RATED CITIES RESPONSIBLY report their hate crime statistics directly characteristics). of bias-motivated crimes and REPORT HATE CRIMES STATISTICS to the FBI in addition to their state law TO THE FBI. effectively address them. enforcement agency to ensure that the FBI receives correct data in a timely fashion.

1 https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/civil-rights/hate-crimes

34 HOW IT WORKSWORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — THE IMPERATIVE OF RESPONSIBLE HATE CRIME REPORTING hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — THE IMPERATIVE OF RESPONSIBLE HATE CRIMEHOW REPORTING IT WORKS 35 MEI ALL-STARS High Scores in States Without Supportive Laws Balancing State and Local Laws

Cities are creations of the state. The MEI balances the influence of Cities are granted the power to govern LGBTQ-inclusive state law by weighing by their states, and some states state and local laws equally, and by have multiple classes of cities that not awarding double points to a city are invested with varying degrees of fortunate enough to have protections at autonomy. Some cities are granted both the state and local levels. so much power that they have nearly complete independence, but other If a state has a comprehensive and cities—particularly smaller cities— inclusive non-discrimination law, a are more limited in the scope of their city may not be incentivized to pass city government. an ordinance extending duplicative protections, but it should still have To be a worthwhile survey of cities those protections reflected in its score. across states, the MEI must be respectful of how different cities are Conversely, the city should be able to from one another. achieve a perfect score on the basis of municipal law alone—otherwise the MEI This is especially true when LGBTQ law would not be a true evaluation of cities. is the subject being surveyed. Some The success of this balanced approach cities are hampered from passing is demonstrated by a number of cities pro-equality laws by state law that who were able to achieve perfect limits their ability to do so; others come scores despite being in states that do from states with strong pro-equality not have pro-equality laws. laws that ensure a high level of legal protections for all.

To be a worthwhile survey of cities across states, the MEI must be respectful of how different cities are from one another.

36 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 37 Understanding Restrictive State Law Effect of Enforcement and Lived Experience

Some states restrict their cities Cities with a dedication to equality While this may initially appear to be The MEI is an encapsulation of Fair and respectful implementation of Collecting and assessing such data from passing inclusive laws either that are in Virginia, Tennessee, and at odds with the MEI’s purpose of the best practices of inclusion the best practices described by the MEI in an objective, thorough way would by passing specific legislation that North Carolina, for example, will never evaluating what cities do, the bottom followed by cities nationwide. It is crucial if the policies are to have any be impossible. However, a city will prohibits cities from doing so or be able to score as well as cities with line is that these vital protections don’t is a blueprint for positive change meaning. Realistically, the MEI simply not receive credit for reporting hate through application of the Dillon’s Rule comparable dedication to equality exist for the folks who live and work and an opportunity for cities to has no objective way of measuring the crimes if the city hasn’t reported any (which prevents cities from providing that exist in states without the in these cities. That these cities will become aware of best practices quality of enforcement. Even the most hate crimes of any kind this year or for broader nondiscrimination protections restrictive laws. face an uphill battle in earning points in municipal equality. It is not a thoughtful survey of laws and policies five previous years. The MEI deems than those offered under state law) to for certain criteria on the MEI is a ranking of the friendliest cities to cannot objectively assess the efficacy this effectively non-reporting because LGBTQ-inclusive legislation. However, the MEI provides avenues for reflection of the actual difficulties they live. It neither attempts to quantify of enforcement and it certainly cannot the probability is very low that a city cities who are dedicated to equality— face as a result of restrictive state law. how respectfully cities enforce encapsulate the lived experience truly experienced zero hate crimes of An example of restrictive legislation as some cities in Virginia, North their laws, nor does it try to gauge of discrimination that many LGBTQ any kind in five years. While this is a is a Tennessee law that prohibits Carolina, and Tennessee are—to have Ameliorating the effect of a restrictive the experience of an LGBTQ person people—even those living in 100 point judgment call it is the best measure the municipalities from passing that dedication reflected in their score state law on the MEI score would interacting with the police or cities—face every day. MEI has to determine if hate crimes are nondiscrimination ordinances that despite restrictive state law. be a dishonest representation of the city hall. being taken seriously at the local level. affect private employees. protections that the city truly does offer. The MEI can make some limited, Bonus points are offered for testing blunt judgments about the existence A 100-point city, then, may have terrific Because of these types of restrictions, the limits of these state restrictions, of enforcement, if not its quality. For policies—a well-trained police force, not every city has the power to enact while standard points reflect city example, one of the harder questions a police liaison, and consistent hate the types of legislation that the leadership advocating against the state the MEI faces is evaluating how crimes reporting—but nevertheless be MEI measures. restrictions. seriously police departments take an atmosphere in which LGBTQ people anti-LGBTQ related violence. While the have intense fear of tangling with the These bonus points help to level MEI awards points to cities that report police department. This fear may be the playing field for restricted cities; hate crimes statistics to the FBI, it magnified for LGBTQ people of color or however, the small number of cities does not evaluate whether the report undocumented LGBTQ immigrants, and suffering such restrictions will find it made by the police department to the the MEI reflects discrimination against extremely challenging—and, in some FBI is an accurate reflection of hate those populations in only a general way. cases, perhaps impossible—to score a crimes, whether detectives competently On the other hand, a police department 100 on the MEI. collected evidence related to proving a in a 40-point city could have none of hate-related motivation for the violence these policies but have a reputation for or whether the police department fair and respectful enforcement. The created a safe space for victims to MEI specifically rates cities on their come forward. It doesn’t measure how laws and policies; it is not a measure of respectful police are when making a an LGBTQ person’s lived experience in stop, nor how the police decide whom that city. to stop. The MEI provides avenues for cities that are dedicated to equality to have that dedication reflected in their score despite restrictive state law. The MEI specifically rates cities on their laws and policies; it is not a measure of an LGBTQ person’s lived experience in that city.

38 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 39 WHAT WE FOUND

hrc.org/mei AN INTRODUCTION 41 SUCCESS STORY: SUMMARY OF RESULTS PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

When Mayor Peduto took I mobilized with staff from the All nine City Councilmembers Each year since the MEI’s debut Administrative Progress Nearly 57 million people currently live office in 2014, he brought a Mayor’s Office and Council, to craft unanimously voted in support of the in 2012, the number of perfect- In addition to legislative changes, in cities with either an LGBTQ liaison in mandate with him that forever and distribute a clear message: If bill, making it clear that regardless scoring cities have risen. This cities modified their administrative the city executive’s office or city police changes the culture of our city your intent and action do not protect of the values held by the federal year is no different. The 2017 MEI policies to safeguard city employees department. That’s more than 60% of government. His vision to make our youth, do not enable them to legislature and executive branch, shows that cities all around the and city contractors’ employees from the total population of MEI-rated cities. Pittsburgh safe and welcoming grow and prosper into young adults, in Pittsburgh we will continue to country understand that LGBTQ discrimination. This year, eighteen These small, medium, and large cities for all residents—regardless of it is not for us. We are fortunate to protect the rights of our residents. equality cannot wait—that true cities updated their equal employment alike are situated in every region of their sexual orientation, gender live in a progressive city where the inclusivity is a moral and economic opportunity policies to expressly the country. identity, and gender expression— people, their Councilmembers, and When our city government enacted imperative that cannot and should include sexual orientation and gender guides our endeavors. their Mayor place people above all. this bill, I knew that Pittsburgh will not wait on slower-moving higher- identity, and thirteen extended the For the first time ever, 100% of perfect- be a catalyst for our Commonwealth levels of government. Given that same employment nondiscrimination scoring cities have LGBTQ police Since the 2016 Presidential Election, I worked closely with two and our Nation. this is the first year that both MEI requirements to businesses they liaisons. Of these sixty-eight 100-point Pittsburghers have steadfastly Councilmembers to craft and criteria and rated cities remained contract with. cities, sixty-five have LGBTQ liaisons in supported the Mayor’s vision. Shortly pass Pittsburgh’s bill protecting unchanged from the year prior, the city executive’s office. after President Trump made his youth from conversion therapy. this report directly demonstrates Moreover, twenty-five cities revised COREY BUCKNER victory speech, residents called Councilman Bruce Kraus, the City’s the encouraging and steady their city employee healthcare plan Lastly, cities with LGBTQ liaisons Manager upon city government, urging the first openly gay elected official, pro-equality trend of cities of all to explicitly cover transgender-related scored better than cities without Office of Community Affairs Mayor and Council to act quickly was a co-sponsor on the bill that makeups and sizes. healthcare services. This brings the LGBTQ liaisons. In both cases, cities to protect our LGBTQ youth. was introduced by Councilman Coordinator total number of municipalities offering with LGBTQ city executive liaisons Mayor’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Council Many expressed concerns that the Dan Gilman. LANDSCAPE OF MUNICIPAL transgender-inclusive healthcare and cities with LGBTQ police liaisons Federal government could endorse EQUALITY benefits to an impressive 111 cities attained an average nearly twice as conversion therapy. Nondiscrimination Protections (22% of all 506 cities rated), up from high as their counterparts with One key finding of this year’s report is 86 in 2016. no liaisons. that cities continued to enact crucial citywide protections for their residents LGBTQ Liaisons EQUALITY ACROSS AMERICA and visitors, despite the wave of anti- Appointing LGBTQ liaisons in the This year’s data reaffirms the fact that LGBTQ legislation introduced in state city executive’s office and police localities everywhere in the nation, of legislatures and the concerted rollback department sends a clear message to all sizes, possess the ability to make of federal LGBTQ safeguards this the local LGBTQ community that they their laws, policies, and services more past year. are acknowledged and respected, and inclusive of LGBTQ people and rank affirms that their voices will be heard. well on the MEI. Wheeling, West Virginia and Carlisle, Pennsylvania took the bold step of passing LGBTQ-inclusive protections in private employment, housing, and public accommodations this legislative cycle. Regardless of the values held In the South, pro-equality efforts led to historic progress. Last year, Jackson, MEI by the federal legislature and Mississippi became the first city in the See executive branch, in Pittsburgh state to pass comprehensive LGBTQ- All Star Map inclusive nondiscrimination protections. on Pg. 37 we will continue to protect This year, Birmingham became the first the rights of our residents. city in Alabama to enact an LGBTQ- inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance that safeguards residents in all areas of life.

42 SUCCESS STORY hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 43 SUCCESS STORY: BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

Pro-equality municipal progress over Forty-one “All-Star” Cities—those that CONCLUSION: NEW HEIGHTS Birmingham’s place in history Why lawmakers continue to focus I could not be more proud to have the past year is distinctly evident scored above eighty-five points despite Many new milestones emerged will forever be tied to the on an individual’s’ sexuality or how a worked with an amazing assortment of when examined by state and region. being in a state with no state-level from the 2017 MEI. Nine cities struggle for human rights. Now, single person identifies is beyond me. advocates and groups like the Human Compared to 2016, thirty-six state LGBTQ protections—emerged this year. reached the 100-point mark this more than fifty years after the What I do know is this: in order to Rights Campaign who continue to fight averages increased and 3 held steady. This is up from thirty-seven in 2016 year for the first time, bringing the Voting Rights Act was signed keep moving forward, bold steps need for equality, even if the road seems and marks a new record for the MEI. perfect-point city record to a new into law by President Lyndon B. to be taken to ensure every single bleak at times. These victories are what • Cities in Alaska, North Dakota, These All-Star cities hail from Arizona, high of 68 municipalities. A record Johnson, basic civil rights—which person has equal protection under the give us hope and carry us through Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, 111 municipalities now offer their every single person on the planet law. Anything short of that is an affront these uncertain times of renewed Ohio increased by an average of Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, employees transgender-inclusive deserves—are still under attack. to what this country claims to stand for. bigotry and bluster. 4 points. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and healthcare benefits, and the number The passage of the nondiscrimination West Virginia. About a fifth of these All- of All-Star cities peaked to a new We see it nationally and we see it on • Cities in Florida, Kansas, a state level with places like North ordinance in Birmingham was one such Stars were small cities with populations apex of 41. In the south, Birmingham JOHNATHAN F. AUSTIN Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Colorado, Carolina passing a bill that forces step. But the fight is not over. Now, below 80,500. made history and became the first city President and Connecticut increased by an people to use bathrooms that are all Birmingham citizens, regardless of in Alabama to pass comprehensive race, nationality, sex, disability, familial Birmingham City Council average of 5 points. Sixty-eight municipalities earned inconsistent with their gender identity. LGBTQ-inclusive protections. status, sexual orientation or gender perfect scores, a noteworthy rise over That bill ultimately led to the ouster • Cities in New Jersey and West of the then incumbent Republican identity, have a legal path toward relief last year’s record of sixty hundred-point This edition of the MEI also celebrated from discrimination. The ordinance Virginia increased by an average governor because citizens stood up cities. This distinguished contingent is the most LGBTQ city executive liaisons makes it unlawful to discriminate of 7 points. and said “No.” Our actions matter. marked by geographic, political, and (134) and LGBTQ police liaisons against others, whereas before our demographic diversity. (148) ever appointed. Encouragingly, • Cities in Iowa increased by an LGBTQ family had no legal recourse this year also brought about the to fight back against intolerant and average of 8 points. 100-point cities come from every most municipalities with openly unfair treatment. The newly created region of the country. Most perfect LGBTQ appointed or elected senior • Cities in Alabama increased by 11-member human rights commission scores (twenty-one) came out of the officials (132). will be instrumental in identifying an average of 17 points. West region, which includes Alaska, entities that choose to traffic in bigotry Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, This remarkable, sustained pro-equality Alabama’s city average grew the most, and help hold them accountable for Oregon, and Washington. However, the progress could not be possible without their actions. increasing by 17 points since the 2016 highest proportion of 100s to cities tenacious city leaders willing to do the report. MEI-rated Iowa cities came rated was the Great Lakes region, with right thing, right now. During a time in just behind Alabama cities with an nearly 1 in 4 cities rated attaining the when opponents of equality on the 8-point average increase, and MEI- MEI’s top mark. Small and medium- state and federal levels are rolling back rated cities in New Jersey and West sized cities accounted for more than hard-fought LGBTQ protections, it is Virginia followed suit with a statewide 60% of perfect scores. more vital than ever for city leaders to city average increase of 7 points. speak out against inequality and do This upward trend is mirrored when everything in their power to protect this year’s data is viewed through their citizens from prejudice and a regional lens. Every region of the discrimination. country experienced a mean score increase. MEI cities in the Southeast demonstrated the largest average In order to keep moving forward, bold steps score growth, rising by four points from The 2017 MEI shows that cities all need to be taken to ensure every single a mean of 39 in 2016 to 43 in 2017. around the country understand that person has equal protection under the law. The overall increase in city scores LGBTQ equality cannot wait. caused this year’s national city average to rise from 55 in 2016 to 57 points.

44 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei SUCCESS STORY 45 EQUALITY ACROSS AMERICA

114 MEI cities have citywide local LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections that go beyond state law

number of SMALL CITIES

number of MEDIUM CITIES

number of LARGE CITIES

This state has comprehensive LGBTQ protections statewide and therefore was not counted in this cohort

2016 regional average score 2017 regional ## ## average score

46 WHATWHAT WEWE FOUNDFOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHATWHAT WEWE FOUNDFOUND 47 SCORES SCORES

FINAL FINAL BONUS POINTSSCORE BONUS POINTSSCORE STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality Laws asIII. Employer Municipal ServicesIV. Law EnforcementV. Relationship withSTANDARD POINTS STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withREGULAR POINTS LGBTQ Community LGBTQ Community ALABAMA Auburn 0 4 4 CALIFORNIA Anaheim 76 4 80 Birmingham 79 4 83 Bakersfield 60 0 60 Florence 12 0 12 Berkeley 85 10 95 Hoover 18 0 18 Brisbane 54 0 54 Huntsville 17 0 17 Cathedral City 95 10 100 Mobile 5 4 9 Chula Vista 80 6 86 Montgomery 23 0 23 Concord 59 8 67 Tuscaloosa 32 2 34 Corona 60 0 60 Elk Grove 77 0 77 ALASKA Anchorage 81 4 85 Escondido 60 0 60 Fairbanks 35 0 35 Fontana 60 0 60 Homer 5 2 7 Fremont 82 4 86 Juneau 73 2 75 Fresno 57 0 57 Ketchikan 3 0 3 Fullerton 74 2 76 Sitka 0 0 0 Garden Grove 59 2 61 Wasilla 0 0 0 Glendale 65 0 65 Guerneville (Sonoma County) 92 10 100 ARIZONA Avondale 15 0 15 Hayward 65 2 67 Chandler 55 6 61 Huntington Beach 59 2 61 Flagstaff 63 4 67 Irvine 77 6 83 Gilbert 17 2 19 Lancaster 76 2 78 Glendale 59 4 63 Long Beach 100 10 100 Mesa 58 2 60 Los Angeles 100 14 100 Peoria 24 2 26 Modesto 59 0 59 Phoenix 97 14 100 Moreno Valley 60 0 60 Scottsdale 53 12 65 Oakland 80 4 84 Tempe 97 12 100 Oceanside 89 12 100 Tucson 100 12 100 Ontario 54 0 54 Orange 71 0 71 ARKANSAS Conway 34 0 34 Oxnard 53 0 53 Eureka Springs 62 6 68 Palm Desert 66 6 72 Fayetteville 61 6 67 Palm Springs 95 14 100 Fort Smith 18 2 20 Palmdale 71 0 71 Jonesboro 18 0 18 Pasadena 80 4 84 Little Rock 37 8 45 Pomona 72 0 72 North Little Rock 20 0 20 Rancho Cucamonga 54 0 54 Springdale 6 0 6 Rancho Mirage 91 12 100

NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT

48 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 49 SCORES SCORES

FINAL FINAL BONUS POINTSSCORE BONUS POINTSSCORE STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality Laws asIII. Employer Municipal ServicesIV. Law EnforcementV. Relationship withSTANDARD POINTS STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withREGULAR POINTS LGBTQ Community LGBTQ Community CALIFORNIA Richmond 80 4 84 CONNECTICUT Waterbury 65 4 69 Riverside 65 0 65 Sacramento 93 8 100 DELAWARE Bethany Beach 54 0 54 Salinas 55 0 55 Dover 59 0 59 San Bernardino 59 2 61 Middletown 36 0 36 San Diego 100 10 100 Milford 48 0 48 San Francisco 100 16 100 Newark 60 0 60 San Jose 100 6 100 Rehoboth Beach 60 2 62 Santa Ana 63 0 63 Smyrna 48 0 48 Santa Clarita 65 0 65 Wilmington 85 2 87 Santa Monica 78 0 78 Santa Rosa 81 6 87 FLORIDA Cape Coral 39 0 39 Signal Hill 83 14 97 Coral Gables 59 2 61 Stockton 70 0 70 Daytona Beach 30 0 30 Sunnyvale 73 0 73 Fort Lauderdale 79 8 87 Thousand Oaks 61 0 61 Gainesville 93 6 99 Torrance 66 0 66 Hialeah 47 2 49 Vallejo 81 0 81 Hollywood 65 2 67 Visalia 62 0 62 Jacksonville 65 2 67 West Hollywood 100 14 100 Miami 57 2 59 Miami Shores 89 2 91 COLORADO Aspen 66 4 70 Oakland Park 91 8 99 Aurora 60 0 60 Orlando 100 14 100 Boulder 76 10 86 Pembroke Pines 76 2 78 Colorado Springs 53 0 53 Port Saint Lucie 29 2 31 Denver 94 6 100 St. Petersburg 91 12 100 Fort Collins 76 2 78 Tallahassee 94 6 100 Lakewood 60 0 60 Tampa 76 10 86 Littleton 48 0 48 Wilton Manors 94 14 100

CONNECTICUT Bridgeport 52 0 52 GEORGIA Athens 33 0 33 Fairfield 54 0 54 Atlanta 100 4 100 Hartford 92 4 96 Augusta-Richmond 12 2 14 New Britain 69 6 75 Avondale Estates 24 0 24 New Haven 90 4 94 Columbus 32 2 34 Norwalk 67 12 79 Decatur 49 2 51 Stamford 100 6 100 North Druid Hills 6 0 6

Storrs (Mansfield) 54 0 54 Roswell 11 0 11

NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT

50 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 51 SCORES SCORES

FINAL FINAL BONUS POINTSSCORE BONUS POINTSSCORE STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality Laws asIII. Employer Municipal ServicesIV. Law EnforcementV. Relationship withSTANDARD POINTS STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withREGULAR POINTS LGBTQ Community LGBTQ Community GEORGIA Sandy Springs 22 0 22 IOWA Ames 82 2 84 Savannah 42 2 44 Cedar Rapids 100 4 100 Davenport 90 12 100 HAWAII Hawaii County 55 0 55 Des Moines 93 4 97 Honolulu County 45 0 45 Dubuque 88 6 94 Kalawao County 36 0 36 Iowa City 88 12 100 Kauai County 44 0 44 Sioux City 85 6 91 Maui County 54 0 54 Waterloo 65 2 67 West Des Moines 77 2 79 IDAHO Boise 71 0 71 Coeur d’Alene 66 0 66 KANSAS Emporia 23 0 23 Idaho Falls 41 0 41 Hutchinson 32 0 32 Meridian 24 0 24 Kansas City 35 0 35 Moscow 57 0 57 Lawrence 66 8 74 Nampa 18 0 18 Manhattan 55 2 57 Pocatello 75 0 75 Olathe 5 2 7 Overland Park 17 2 19 ILLINOIS Aurora 75 4 79 Topeka 35 0 35 Carbondale 50 0 50 Wichita 31 0 31 Champaign 73 6 79 Chicago 95 8 100 KENTUCKY Berea 33 0 33 Joliet 76 2 78 Bowling Green 17 0 17 Naperville 42 0 42 Covington 70 4 74 Peoria 65 2 67 Frankfort 48 4 52 Rockford 61 0 61 Lexington 84 8 92 Springfield 63 2 65 Louisville 94 12 100 Morehead 59 0 59 INDIANA Bloomington 100 6 100 Owensboro 18 0 18 Evansville 66 4 70 Fort Wayne 40 2 42 LOUISIANA Alexandria 30 8 38 Hammond 67 2 69 Baton Rouge 30 6 36 Indianapolis 82 6 88 Lafayette 12 0 12 Muncie 55 0 55 Lake Charles 6 0 6 South Bend 74 4 78 Metairie 16 4 20 Terre Haute 41 0 41 Monroe 0 0 0 West Lafayette 55 2 57 New Orleans 75 14 89 Shreveport 73 2 75

NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT

52 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 53 SCORES SCORES

FINAL FINAL BONUS POINTSSCORE BONUS POINTSSCORE STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality Laws asIII. Employer Municipal ServicesIV. Law EnforcementV. Relationship withSTANDARD POINTS STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withREGULAR POINTS LGBTQ Community LGBTQ Community MAINE Auburn 55 0 55 MICHIGAN Lansing 63 2 65 Augusta 57 0 57 Pleasant Ridge 56 0 56 Bangor 59 0 59 Sterling Heights 28 0 28 Brunswick 42 0 42 Traverse City 84 2 86 Lewiston 54 0 54 Warren 16 0 16 Orono 36 0 36 Portland 80 0 80 MINNESOTA Bloomington 47 0 47 Scarborough 60 6 66 Duluth 64 2 66 South Portland 60 0 60 Eden Prairie 62 0 62 Minneapolis 100 2 100 MARYLAND Annapolis 61 4 65 Minnetonka 48 0 48 Baltimore 89 12 100 Rochester 63 0 63 Bowie 59 2 61 Saint Cloud 59 0 59 College Park 79 8 87 Saint Paul 99 4 100 Columbia 59 0 59 Frederick 100 4 100 MISSISSIPPI Bay St. Louis 4 0 4 Gaithersburg 57 2 59 Biloxi 4 2 6 Hagerstown 38 0 38 Gulfport 2 2 4 Rockville 95 6 100 Hattiesburg 5 0 5 Towson 92 4 96 Jackson 67 4 71 Ocean Springs 4 0 4 MASSACHUSETTS Amherst 65 2 67 Oxford 4 0 4 Arlington 86 8 94 Southaven 0 0 0 Boston 100 10 100 Starkville 2 0 2 Cambridge 100 14 100 Lowell 54 0 54 MISSOURI Cape Girardeau 3 0 3 Northampton 81 8 89 Columbia 96 6 100 Provincetown 94 6 100 Independence 18 0 18 Salem 100 4 100 Jefferson City 0 0 0 Springfield 65 0 65 Kansas City 91 12 100 Worcester 91 12 100 Springfield 19 2 21 St. Charles 38 0 38 MICHIGAN Ann Arbor 100 8 100 St. Louis 97 14 100 Detroit 96 8 100 East Lansing 94 10 100 MONTANA Billings 18 0 18 Ferndale 86 8 94 Bozeman 55 4 59 Grand Rapids 70 6 76 Butte-Silver Bow 42 0 42 Kalamazoo 63 2 65 Great Falls 12 0 12

NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT

54 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 55 SCORES SCORES

FINAL FINAL BONUS POINTSSCORE BONUS POINTSSCORE STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality Laws asIII. Employer Municipal ServicesIV. Law EnforcementV. Relationship withSTANDARD POINTS STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withREGULAR POINTS LGBTQ Community LGBTQ Community MONTANA Helena 60 0 60 NEW JERSEY Hoboken 84 8 92 Kalispell 18 0 18 Jersey City 100 4 100 Missoula 95 6 100 Lambertville 94 4 98 Whitefish 38 0 38 Montclair 59 2 61 New Brunswick 65 0 65 NEBRASKA Bellevue 6 0 6 Newark 70 0 70 Fremont 12 0 12 Ocean Grove 61 2 63 Grand Island 19 0 19 Paterson 64 0 64 Kearney 18 0 18 Princeton 72 4 76 Lincoln 46 6 52 Trenton 65 4 69 North Platte 12 0 12 Omaha 70 2 72 NEW MEXICO Albuquerque 68 6 74 Eldorado at Santa Fe 33 0 33 NEVADA Carson City 54 2 56 Farmington 48 2 50 Elko 54 0 54 Gallup 39 0 39 Enterprise 95 6 100 Las Cruces 46 0 46 Henderson 58 0 58 Rio Rancho 45 0 45 Las Vegas 93 14 100 Roswell 48 0 48 Mesquite 37 0 37 Santa Fe 59 6 65 North Las Vegas 54 0 54 Paradise 95 6 100 NEW YORK Albany 99 8 100 Reno 85 2 87 Brookhaven 62 0 62 Sparks 51 0 51 Buffalo 85 10 95 Ithaca 84 0 84 NEW HAMPSHIRE Concord 39 0 39 New York 100 16 100 Derry 45 0 45 Northwest Harbor 53 2 55 Dover 49 0 49 Rochester 95 6 100 Durham 72 2 74 Syracuse 82 12 94 Keene 42 2 44 White Plains 83 4 87 Manchester 39 0 39 Yonkers 95 6 100 Nashua 28 0 28 Plymouth 33 0 33 NORTH CAROLINA Carrboro 59 12 71 Portsmouth 46 2 48 Cary 18 0 18 Rochester 39 0 39 Chapel Hill 50 16 66 Charlotte 59 14 73 NEW JERSEY Asbury Park 87 4 91 Durham 55 14 69 Elizabeth 71 2 73 Fayetteville 23 0 23 Greensboro 64 18 82

NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT

56 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 57 SCORES SCORES

FINAL FINAL BONUS POINTSSCORE BONUS POINTSSCORE STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality Laws asIII. Employer Municipal ServicesIV. Law EnforcementV. Relationship withSTANDARD POINTS STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withREGULAR POINTS LGBTQ Community LGBTQ Community NORTH CAROLINA Raleigh 52 8 60 PENNSYLVANIA Allentown 91 10 100 Wilmington 21 0 21 Carlisle 70 2 72 Winston-Salem 38 10 48 Erie 37 2 39 Harrisburg 54 2 56 NORTH DAKOTA Bismarck 21 0 21 New Hope 76 4 80 Fargo 47 16 63 Philadelphia 100 16 100 Grand Forks 56 0 56 Pittsburgh 97 16 100 Jamestown 6 0 6 Reading 64 2 66 Mandan 18 0 18 State College 71 2 73 Minot 20 0 20 Wilkes-Barre 58 4 62 West Fargo 12 0 12 RHODE ISLAND Cranston 36 0 36 OHIO Akron 94 6 100 East Providence 62 0 62 Cincinnati 100 12 100 Kingston 36 0 36 Cleveland 73 8 81 Narragansett 48 0 48 Columbus 100 4 100 Newport 60 0 60 Dayton 95 6 100 Pawtucket 66 0 66 Dublin 45 0 45 Providence 100 4 100 Lakewood 73 4 77 Warwick 68 2 70 Toledo 85 4 89 SOUTH CAROLINA Charleston 67 0 67 OKLAHOMA Broken Arrow 12 0 12 Clemson 0 0 0 Edmond 18 2 20 Columbia 75 0 75 Lawton 17 0 17 Greenville 20 2 22 Moore 0 0 0 Mount Pleasant 18 0 18 Norman 40 2 42 Myrtle Beach 21 0 21 Oklahoma City 39 2 41 North Charleston 43 4 47 Stillwater 0 0 0 Rock Hill 17 0 17 Tulsa 32 2 34 SOUTH DAKOTA Aberdeen 18 0 18 OREGON Ashland 42 4 46 Brookings 64 8 72 Bend 61 0 61 Mitchell 0 0 0 Corvallis 66 2 68 Pierre 0 0 0 Eugene 84 2 86 Rapid City 17 2 19 Gresham 36 0 36 Sioux Falls 55 8 63 Hillsboro 48 0 48 Spearfish 21 0 21 Portland 82 6 88 Vermillion 27 0 27 Salem 88 2 90 Watertown 18 0 18

NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT

58 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 59 SCORES SCORES

FINAL FINAL BONUS POINTSSCORE BONUS POINTSSCORE STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality Laws asIII. Employer Municipal ServicesIV. Law EnforcementV. Relationship withSTANDARD POINTS STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withREGULAR POINTS LGBTQ Community LGBTQ Community TENNESSEE Chattanooga 35 2 37 UTAH Park City 38 0 38 Clarksville 17 0 17 Provo 35 0 35 Franklin 18 0 18 Salt Lake City 67 2 69 Johnson City 18 0 18 West Jordan 35 0 35 Knoxville 50 8 58 West Valley City 35 0 35 Memphis 47 6 53 Murfreesboro 12 0 12 VERMONT Barre 36 0 36 Nashville 54 6 60 Brattleboro 54 0 54 Burlington 82 0 82 TEXAS Amarillo 23 0 23 Castleton 48 0 48 Arlington 40 4 44 Essex 54 0 54 Austin 100 12 100 Montpelier 45 0 45 Brownsville 21 0 21 Rutland 37 0 37 College Station 18 0 18 South Burlington 61 0 61 Corpus Christi 38 4 42 Winooski 60 0 60 Dallas 89 16 100 Denton 44 0 44 VIRGINIA Alexandria 76 10 86 El Paso 49 8 57 Arlington County 79 14 93 Fort Worth 93 14 100 Charlottesville 76 4 80 Garland 20 2 22 Chesapeake 28 0 28 Grand Prairie 24 0 24 Fairfax County 27 6 33 Houston 59 16 75 Hampton 30 0 30 Irving 6 0 6 Newport News 21 0 21 Killeen 18 0 18 Norfolk 43 4 47 Laredo 6 0 6 Richmond 42 0 42 Lubbock 18 0 18 Roanoke 24 0 24 McAllen 24 0 24 Virginia Beach 52 2 54 McKinney 18 0 18 Mesquite 21 0 21 WASHINGTON Bellevue 96 4 100 Pasadena 18 2 20 Bellingham 65 0 65 Plano 72 2 74 Kent 70 2 72 Round Rock 24 0 24 Olympia 100 0 100 San Antonio 79 16 95 Pullman 59 0 59 Waco 23 2 25 Seattle 100 4 100 Spokane 77 0 77 UTAH Logan 35 0 35 Tacoma 85 4 89 Ogden City 47 0 47 Vancouver 60 0 60 Orem 23 0 23 Vashon 76 10 86

NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT

60 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 61 SCORES SUCCESS STORY: DENVER, COLORADO

FINAL BONUS POINTSSCORE STATE CITY I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality Laws asIII. Employer Municipal ServicesIV. Law EnforcementV. Relationship withSTANDARD POINTS In December 2016, on a The change was among a series In his first official month in this LGBTQ Community unanimous vote by City Council, of pro-LGBTQ recommendations capacity, Lt. Michael Wyatt WEST VIRGINIA Charles Town 50 0 50 the City and County of Denver identified by Denver’s Lesbian, Gay, unveiled the Safe Place program, a Charleston 65 2 67 amended its building code to Bisexual, Transgender & Queer partnership with local businesses Huntington 89 6 95 require that all new and existing (LGBTQ) Commission – a group modeled after a successful Seattle Lewisburg 49 0 49 single-stall restrooms provide of 21 volunteers appointed by the initiative. The program encourages Morgantown 42 6 48 signs designating them as Mayor to advise him and his team on the reporting of bias motivated gender neutral. legislation, policies, programs, and crimes and aims to create awareness Parkersburg 20 0 20 practices that impact the LGBTQ around and reduce anti-LGBTQ Wheeling 61 2 63 “This code change was a community – and adopted by the bullying and harassment, and to commonsensical action that we Mayor in 2015. provide a safe space for victims of WISCONSIN Appleton 68 10 78 know will allow people to live their crime while they await police. Green Bay 40 0 40 lives without anxiety about something Building on the citywide partnership Kenosha 41 2 43 as simple as bathroom access,” established through that effort, “There were incidents occurring Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. which included the Mayor’s Office, in Denver where members of the Madison 93 12 100 “This is also another way in which the LGBTQ Commission, members LGBTQ community were being 88 4 92 Milwaukee Denver demonstrates that we are a of City Council and Community harassed, intimidated and downright Oshkosh 29 0 29 welcoming and inclusive place to call Planning and Development, the assaulted, and many of those Racine 27 2 29 home for all our people.” Mayor next worked with leaders in not coming to police department the Denver Police Department to attention, and that is wrong,” Lt. The amendment to the building code WYOMING Casper 5 0 5 assign a department liaison to the Wyatt said. provides more options for those who Cheyenne 11 0 11 LGBTQ community in June 2017. are transgender, caregivers of the Gillette 18 0 18 elderly and disabled, parents of small Jackson 18 0 18 children, and customers who should THE CITY AND Laramie 49 0 49 not have to wait in line when there COUNTY OF DENVER Rock Springs 3 0 3 is an empty single-stall restroom Sheridan 0 0 0 available. The amendment does not affect multi-stall bathrooms. Since 2008, transgender individuals have had the right to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity in the State of Colorado.

“This code change was a commonsensical action that we know will allow people to live their lives without anxiety about something as simple as bathroom access.”

MICHAEL B. HANCOCK Mayor of Denver

NO CREDIT PARTIAL MINORITY CREDIT HALF CREDIT PARTIAL MAJORITY CREDIT FULL CREDIT

62 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei SUCCESS STORY 63 SUCCESS STORY: SELF-SUBMIT COLUMBIA, MISSOURI Cities Not Rated by the MEI Submit Themselves

The City of Columbia, Missouri, In addition to making public spaces We are proud of our diverse Cities that would like to be rated Two cities successfully self-submitted is committed to building an more inclusive, City departments community, which is enhanced by the MEI but do not fall within this year: West Palm Beach, Florida inclusive community where all strive to ensure high quality by the presence of three higher our general city selection criteria and Miami Beach, Florida. By people have the opportunity services are provided to all. The education institutions: University can submit themselves to be rated. self-submitting, these cities have to thrive. While the State of Columbia Police Department and of Missouri, Stephens College and In order to do this, city leadership demonstrated their commitment to Missouri still does not prohibit City Manager’s Office have LGBTQ Columbia College. We are excited must send all of the relevant equality and are sending a message to discrimination based upon liaisons who work with businesses, at our progress towards achieving documentation needed to justify their LGBTQ citizens that they are sexual orientation or gender organizations, higher education our vision that Columbia is the best credit for each MEI criteria to a welcome and important part of identity, the City of Columbia institutions and community members place for everyone to live, work, [email protected]. the community. has been a leader in the state by to improve LGBTQ residents’ access learn and play. passing legislation to add sexual to services. We might not be able to include orientation and gender identity scores from cities that self-submit as protected classes. The City’s health department BRIAN TREECE in the publication, but we will always operates a domestic partnership Mayor provide cities with their own scorecard The City’s Human Rights registry, provides regular HIV and support them in working toward Commission partners with and STD prevention education, LGBTQ equality. community organizations to sponsor provides information on coming events such as Pride Fest and an out to local LGBTQ youth, partners annual Fair Housing and Lending with LGBTQ groups, and provides Seminar. Additionally, discrimination inclusive training to City staff and By self-submitting, cities demonstrate complaints are investigated by City Council members. their commitment to equality and send the Commission. Thanks to the Human Rights a message to their LGBTQ citizens that Consistent with our Strategic Plan, Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index they are a welcome and important the City works to ensure that all review last year, we realized that we people can feel safe where they live, did not offer transgender-inclusive part of the community. work, learn and play. While there has health benefits, so in December been a national debate over inclusive 2016, the City began offering bathrooms, the City amended its transgender-inclusive health benefits building and plumbing codes to to City employees. allow for more inclusive restrooms in 2012. To promote inclusion, the City offers free inclusive bathroom signage to local businesses and schools. The City is working toward creating inclusive bathrooms in all of its public buildings and parks.

We are committed to building an inclusive community where all people have the opportunity to thrive.

64 SUCCESS STORY hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 65 WHAT’S AHEAD

Changes to the MEI in 2018

In order to accurately reflect ANTI-BULLYING RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS NEW CRITERIA Additionally, cities that enact laws to Lastly, next year’s MEI will the state of LGBTQ equality in Beginning next year, the School To reflect the true scope of the Finally, the 2018 MEI will add protect youth from the harmful and reintroduce an expanded City municipalities, the MEI scorecard District Anti-Bullying Policies citywide nondiscrimination laws two new bonus criteria—Single- discredited practice of so-called Employee Domestic Partner must occasionally be adapted to standard will be replaced with a assessed in Part I of the MEI Occupancy All-Gender Facilities “conversion therapy” will garner two Benefits standard. In years prior to reflect the evolving legal landscape new bonus criterion—City Services scorecard, the 2018 MEI will and Laws Protecting Youth from bonus points. Conversion therapy 2015, cities were awarded credit on LGBTQ issues. Prior changes Youth Bullying Prevention Policies. deduct points for nondiscrimination Conversion Therapy—as well as refers to any effort to change an if they offered healthcare benefits were implemented in 2015 related to This category will reward cities ordinances that allow discrimination reintroduce the City Employee individual’s sexual orientation or to the same-sex domestic partner relationship recognition points due to with a maximum of two points for through religious exemptions that Domestic Partner Benefits standard gender identity. It is based on the of an employee and their legal the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that implementing policies that prohibit single out sexual orientation and/ as bonus points. false notion that being LGBTQ is dependents. When reintroduced brought about nationwide marriage bullying on the express basis of or gender identity. Cities will lose an illness that needs to be “cured.” in 2018, cities will be awarded credit equality. The revisions to the 2018 sexual orientation and gender identity one point for each Part I criterion Starting in 2018, cities that require Every major medical and mental for offering equal benefits to both MEI scorecard will be more wide- in all youth-facing city facilities and to which a religious carve-out that all single-user sex-segregated health organization has criticized same- and different-sex domestic ranging to more accurately reflect services. These policies should singles out the LGBTQ community facilities within the city like the dangerous practice. Youth are partners of employees and their legal the scope of nondiscrimination laws cover, for example, the city’s parks applies. This adds up to a total bathrooms and changing rooms especially vulnerable to the negative dependents. Even after nationwide and the innovative ways cities are and recreation department, library possible deduction of six points to be all-gender will receive two outcomes of conversion therapy, marriage equality, it is important advancing LGBTQ equality across programs, and any other department in Part I. bonus points. Cities that designate which include increased risk of to respect the diverse family forms the country. or service that incorporate young all single-occupancy facilities anxiety, depression, decreased that exist by expanding domestic people. While most cities do not Religious liberty is an important within its own buildings as all- self-esteem, homelessness, partner benefits to include all have direct control of the anti- American value, which is why it is gender will receive half credit. All substance abuse, and suicidality. families. For more information on bullying school district policies already robustly protected by the residents deserve the dignity and At the time of publication, localities this topic, please see our 2015 currently rated, cities have direct First Amendment and existing civil safety of equal access to facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, Issue Brief entitled The Case for authority to implement policies that rights laws. Harmful discrimination in accordance with their gender Florida, and Arizona have enacted Retaining Domestic Partnership explicitly prohibit bullying on the that singles out LGBTQ people, identity. For more information on protections against the fraudulent Laws and Policies, available at grounds of sexual orientation and however, is contrary to true equality the importance of equal access practice of conversion therapy. www.hrc.org/mei. gender identity in its own programs and should not be allowed under the to single-occupancy facilities, and services. guise of religion. see pg 28. It is worth noting that occasionally, bonus point categories are moved into standard point categories. Should this happen, the MEI team will provide cities with advance notice.

The MEI team can be reached at [email protected] to answer any questions about these upcoming The revisions to the 2018 MEI scorecard will be more scorecard revisions and assist wide-ranging to more accurately reflect the scope the city with enacting these changes. The official 2018 MEI scorecard of nondiscrimination laws and the innovative ways will be available on the web at cities are advancing LGBTQ equality across www.hrc.org/mei. the country.

66 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 67 2018 MEI SCORECARD

CITY, STATE 1/2 CITY, STATE 2/2 2018 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD 2018 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD

I. Non-Discrimination Laws STATE COUNTY MUNICIPAL AVAILABLE IV. Law Enforcement MUNICIPAL AVAILABLE

This category evaluates whether Employment Fair enforcement of the law includes LGBTQ Liaison/Task Force in Police discrimination on the basis of sexual 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 responsible reporting of hate crimes and Department 0 10 orientation and gender identity is Housing engaging with the LGBTQ community in a prohibited by the city, county, or state in Reported 2016 Hate Crimes Statistics 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 thoughtful and respectful way. 0 12 areas of employment, housing, and to the FBI public accommodations. Public Accommodations 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 SCORE 0 out of 22

SCORE 0 out of 30 BONUS Single-Occupancy All-Gender Facilities +0 +0 +0 +2 MUNICIPAL AVAILABLE BONUS Protects Youth from Conversion V. Leadership on LGBTQ Equality Therapy +0 +0 +0 +2 This category measures the city leadership’s Leadership’s Public Position on Equality 0 5 MUNICIPAL AVAILABLE commitment to fully include the LGBTQ II. Municipality as Employer community and to advocate for full equality. Recent Pro-Equality Legislative Efforts 0 3 By offering equivalent benefits and Non-Discrimination in City Employment protections to LGBTQ employees, and by 0 0 7 7 awarding contracts to fair-minded businesses, Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare Benefits SCORE 0 out of 8 municipalities commit themselves to treating 0 6 LGBTQ employees equally. BONUS Openly LGBTQ Elected or Appointed City Contractor Non-Discrimination Ordinance +0 +2 0 0 3 3 Leaders BONUS City Tests Limits of Restrictive State Inclusive Workplace +0 +3 0 2 Law

SCORE 0 out of 28 BONUS City Employee Domestic Partner Benefits +0 +1 III. Municipal Services COUNTY CITY AVAILABLE TOTAL SCORE 0 + TOTAL BONUS 0 = Final Score 0

This section assesses the efforts of the city Human Rights Commission CANNOT EXCEED 100 to ensure LGBTQ constituents are included 0 0 5 in city services and programs. NDO Enforcement by Human Rights Commission 0 0 2 LGBTQ Liaison to City Executive’s Office 0 5

SCORE 0 out of 12

BONUS Youth Bullying Prevention Policy for +0 +0 +1 +1 City Services BONUS City Provides Services to LGBTQ +0 +2 Youth BONUS City Provides Services to LGBTQ +0 +2 Homeless BONUS City Provides Services to LGBTQ +0 +2 Elders PTS FOR SEXUAL ORIENTATION PTS FOR GENDER IDENTITY + BONUS PTS for criteria not accessible to all cities at this time. BONUS City Provides Services HIV/AIDS +0 +2 Population FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CITY SELECTION, CRITERIA OR THE MEI SCORING SYSTEM, PLEASE VISIT HRC.ORG/MEI. All cities rated were provided their scorecard in advance of publication and given the opportunity to submit revisions. For feedback regarding a particular BONUS City Provides Services to the +0 +2 city’s scorecard, please email [email protected]. Transgender Community hrc.org/mei

68 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 69 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A special thank you goes to law The Municipal Equality Index would not have been possible without the valuable XAVIER PERSAD serves as The MEI is a robust assessment of firms Cooley LLP and Sidley Austin contributions made by state and local advocates. A particular thanks therefore Legislative Counsel at the Human municipal equality, and would not be LLP for sharing their legal expertise. Rights Campaign and provides his realized without the professionalism HRC’s McCleary Law Fellows and goes out to the following: thorough research skills and keen and innovation of several people who interns provided extra support with analysis to ensure that the Municipal contributed their talents to this year’s their research skills and logistical Equality Index is the most informative report. First and foremost, HRC’s Legal assistance. and accurate it can be. He focuses Director Sarah Warbelow provides the on state and municipal law and thoughtfulness, support, and resolve Bob Villaflor provided his expertise policy, including protections against the MEI needs to continue its success. and visual eye for design during the conversion therapy. Xavier obtained completion of this report. his Master of Laws degree from the HRC’s communications team of Chris London School of Economics and Sgro, Allison Turner, Ianthe Metzger The General Design Company is a Political Science and his law degree and Liz Halloran were invaluable in delight to work with, and we enjoy from Florida A&M University College of arranging the launch and delivering discovering new ways to make Law. He is a member of the Florida bar. the story of municipal equality to every municipal equality fun and informative corner of America where it belongs. with them. We value the creativity, ABOUT THE MEI TEAM We also thank HRC’s digital experts, attention to detail and craftsmanship This project has only been possible Carolyn Simon and Emily Roberts, of Soung Wiser, Carrie Brickell and because of the dedication, persistence, for ensuring the MEI is accessible Michael McDermott. and creativity of the MEI team and online and that every city’s score can those who have supported us. To be readily found on your computer EQUALITY FEDERATION reach the MEI team with questions, or phone. INSTITUTE comments, compliments, suggestions, As always, we thank our partners or requests for hard copies of the Additionally, we want to thank the at the Equality Federation Institute. publication, please email [email protected]. HRC field team for helping cities move The achievements we celebrate equality forward on the ground. We in this publication are often theirs. COLLEN KUTNEY is the other half particularly want to thank Rob Hill, Ben We recognize the state groups that of the MEI team in the role of Senior Needham and the rest of the Project have been particularly helpful on the Manager for State and Municipal One America team for their work to following page. We particularly want Programs at the Human Rights further equality in the Deep South. to acknowledge Andy Garcia for his Campaign. Annually, they manage both partnership at the national level. We the Municipal Equality Index and the couldn’t do this without you. State Equality Index, which assesses state policy and law impacting the LGBTQ community. Collen conducts and analyzes municipal research, coordinates logistics for the MEI launch, and builds relationships with city leaders and advocates across the country to advance equality. Kutney is a graduate of the University at Albany in Albany, NY. For questions or additional information,

please contact [email protected]. Alaskans Together for Equality

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