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Front Desk: (202) 628-4160 ttY: (202) 216-1572 Municipal Equality Index toll-Free: (800) 777-4723 Fax: (202) 347-5323 a nationwiDe evaluation oF Municipal law 2015 Municipal Equality Index

2015

a n ationwi D e e valuation o F Municipal l aw

F-HRC-cover-151214-press.indd 1 12/14/15 6:00 PM 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 which are not incorporated as cities. specifically designed to measure the 408 cities rated on the 2015 MEI. In that case, we rated the local laws and policies of the municipality, The full scorecards are available incorporated government that actually not the state. While state law might online at www.hrc.org/mei. serves that census-designated place, add to a city’s score, positive state How It Works which is usually the county. This is law is not necessary for a city to 12 Executive Summary How were these cities explained further on page 17. score 100 points. In fact, 18 cities 17 City Selection chosen? in states without statewide non- 18 2015 MEI Scorecard This year, the cities rated are: the How are the scores discrimination laws for LGBT people 21 Scoring Criteria Parts I-V 50 state capitals, the 200 largest calculated? scored 100 points in 2015. cities in the United States, the five Cities are rated on a scale of 0-100, 22 Issue Brief: Anti-Transgender Violence largest cities or municipalities in based on the city’s laws, policies, Is this a ranking of the 30 Issue Brief: Domestic Partner Benefits each state, the cities home to the benefits, and services. There are best cities for LGBT people 34 Acknowledging Context: state’s two largest public universities 100 standard points and 20 bonus to live in? • Not All Cities Are Created Equal (including undergraduate and points (bonus points are awarded for No. This is not a ranking of a city’s • Fair Assessment Respects Legal Differences graduate enrollment) and 75 cities items which apply to some but not all atmosphere or quality of life. It is • Accounting for City Size & municipalities that have high cities). For more information on the an evaluation of the city’s law and • Balancing State and Local Laws proportions of same-sex couples (see scoring system, see page 18-29. policies, and an examination of how • Understanding Restrictive State Law page 17 for more information). Future inclusive city services are of LGBT • Effect of Enforcement and Lived Experience editions of the MEI will continue to Where did the information people. Some high-scoring cities may increase the number of cities rated. for these scores come not feel truly welcoming for all LGBT from? people, and some low-scoring cities Why isn’t Washington, D.C. The MEI team conducted the may feel more welcoming than their What We Found rated? research, compiled it into a draft policies might reflect. For an explanation as to why scorecard, and sent the draft 44 Summary of Results Washington, DC is not included in scorecard to the city for review. 50 Table of 2015 Scores the MEI, please see page 17. Cities had an opportunity to review 63 Self-Submit the draft scorecard and offer any 64 Acknowledgements feedback prior to publication. Success Stories

Research Process 15 Jersey City, New Jersey by Mayor Steve Fulop 16 Equality Ohio by Managing Director Alana Jochum The information reflected in this they wished the MEI team to mail. The feedback window lasted 20 Equality Arizona by Board Co-Chairs Catherine Alonzo and Nate Rhoton publication was gathered by the consider. Our team sent out a letter six weeks. Finally, cities were sent 25 Louisville, Kentucky by Mayor Greg Fischer MEI team and compiled into draft in May to mayors and city managers their final scorecards and information 26 Indianapolis, Indiana by Mayor Greg Ballard scorecards using publicly available notifying them that their cities were about the MEI 2015 in the same way. 46 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Office of LGBT Affairs Director Nellie Fitzpatrick information. Cities were then being rated by email and certified Equality Federation state groups also 49 Equality North Carolina by Executive Director Chris Sgro offered an opportunity to review the mail, followed by a draft scorecard were able to review the scorecards 62 Seattle, Washington by Mayor Ed Murray scorecards, ask any questions, and sent to the mayors and city managers and provide feedback to the MEI submit any additional information in July also via email and certified team prior to publication.

© 2015 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation owns all right, title, and interest in and to this ISBN 10 digit:1-934765-34-1 publication and all derivative works thereof. Permission for reproduction and redistribution is granted if the publication is (1) reproduced in its ISBN 13 digit: 978-1- entirety and (2) distributed free of charge. The Human Rights Campaign and the Equality logo are trademarks of the Human Rights Campaign. 934765-34-0 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

But as we push Congress and state I hope that what happened in Houston County, Florida offered glimmers of year demonstrate how, despite the great lawmakers to protect LGBT people is a wake-up call to other cities around hope. Carmel passed non-discrimination progress we have made, many LGBTQ from discrimination and violence, cities the nation. The tragic repeal of HERO ordinances in the face of a statewide people, especially those low-income or aren’t waiting. They’re acting. This year, should inspire us to double-down religious exemption bill. Osceola County of color, remain disenfranchised. Many yet again, cities have demonstrated and work harder than ever before. unanimously passed an ordinance that Americans are unaware that LGBTQ their commitment to moving equality And for those cities that want to spur provides employment, housing, and people are not fully protected by law. forward in the Human Rights Campaign development, and improve the lives of public accommodations protections for Thirty-one states still lack complete, Foundation’s 2015 Municipal Equality their LGBT residents and visitors, they LGBTQ individuals. statewide nondiscrimination protections. Index. This year’s MEI boasts the should look to the example of the MEI’s However, as our opposition capitalizes highest number of 100 point scores top-scoring cities as a path forward. Many of our members, state-based on fear and misinformation, local in the history of this program, with 47 The municipalities scoring 100 points equality organizations, have led campaigns, even when challenging, cities achieving the top score. The are big and small and come from all the charge or partnered with local present opportunities for us to engage number of cities offering trans-inclusive corners of the country. Their diversity organizers’ efforts to expand awareness, in conversation. Around the country, we This has been a historic year for healthcare to city employees is 66, demonstrates that equality is not a This year, an unprecedented wave of acceptance, and legal protections this share the stories of those discriminated equality. Yet, even as we celebrate also an all-time high. And 55 new value restricted to only cities in certain discriminatory legislation attempted year. Equality Wyoming worked to against and inform people about a major victory for nationwide cities are among the ranks of the 408 parts of this country, but is increasingly to roll-back our efforts for LGBTQ pass the state’s first nondiscrimination the importance of nondiscrimination marriage equality at the U.S. municipalities scored by this year’s MEI. being embraced far and wide. equality. Most notably, Houston’s ordinance in Laramie—19 years after coverage. Supreme Court and unprecedented recent repeal of its Human Rights the brutal murder of University of visibility for transgender Americans The MEI’s emphasis on policies that We are proud to work alongside leaders Ordinance was a harsh wake-up call Wyoming student Matthew Shepard. The MEI is an important tool to refer over the last year, we are are so critical to our fight to extend in municipalities across the country that our work is far from complete. The Fairness Campaign successfully to in our efforts to put pressure on surrounded by reminders of how far full equality to all Americans—including who are working to make the guidance promoted a nondiscrimination ordinance municipalities to honor equality and we still have to go. Violence against non-discrimination ordinances, city offered by the MEI a reality, and we However, we fully embrace the in Midway, Kentucky. Fairness West LGBTQ individuals. We extend our transgender people is a national services, employment policies and thank our partners at the Equality challenge. We continue to grow our Virginia defeated a proposed law deepest gratitude to HRC for publishing —and global—epidemic, and we benefits, and law enforcement practices Federation Institute and their state strength and power through local that would have invalidated existing the report and to all the advocates, local continue to see unacceptable —continue to be at the core of this affiliates who work to bring equality to organizing and achievements which LGBTQ non-discrimination ordinances and state-based, working to win equality discrimination due to a patchwork of report. And while we’ve continued to every corner of the country. We have pave the way to larger-scale change. We in the state. Equality Florida, along in the communities they call home. state laws that leave LGBT people witness momentum for equality grow, much work ahead of us, but momentum create pockets of protection in hope of with the Human Rights Campaign, vulnerable in their schools, homes, there are clear signs we have much is on our side and together we won’t propelling our culture towards state and is currently working in coalition with Our work is cut out for us. We have and communities. work left to do. There is perhaps no stop fighting until full equality is a reality federal wins for true equality. local organizations to extend LGBTQ so much to celebrate, and even more starker example of those challenges for all. protections in Jacksonville, the state’s reason to fight on. In many states today, the same LGBT than Houston, Texas—a city that saw Our victories this year highlight the second largest city. couples who fought so long and so hard the repeal of a city ordinance protecting Sincerely, tenacity of our advocates all across the Sincerely, to have their marriages recognized are LGBT people from discrimination. country, many of whom donate their The list goes on and on—our collective still at risk of being fired from their jobs Had the Houston Equal Rights time to achieve fairness and equality for efforts are as extensive as they are or evicted from their homes simply for Ordinance (HERO) not been repealed, LGBTQ people and our families. impressive. Rebecca Isaacs marrying the person they love. This is Houston’s score would have been Over 20 towns and municipalities Executive Director fundamentally wrong, and that’s why 77 this year, not 48. Chad Griffin We face setbacks, but we are Equality Federation Institute HRC is fighting to pass the Equality Act President passed non-discrimination ordinances undoubtedly moving forward with justice to finally protect LGBT Americans under Human Rights Campaign Foundation in 2015, some in the most unexpected on our side. The underreported murders our nation’s federal civil rights laws. places. The city council of Carmel, of at least 21 transgender people, Indiana and commissioners in Osceola mostly transgender women of color, this

But as we push Congress and state lawmakers Our victories this year highlight the tenacity of to protect LGBT people from discrimination our advocates all across the country, many of and violence, cities across the nation aren’t whom donate their time to achieve fairness and waiting. They’re acting. equality for LGBTQ people and our families.

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

America has become a far more open- The Municipal Equality Index provides a Beyond the important issues of wealth, and even the weather. Richard Cities would be well-advised to respond minded and tolerant nation over the roadmap of laws and policies that cities fairness and equality lies an additional Florida’s fascinating work on this to the workplace considerations past several decades. Cities across the can use to make their community more reason for cities to take matters of subject reveals a link between a city’s measured by the MEI, some of which country have realized the value of full inclusive. Each city is held accountable equality seriously: it is good business. inclusivity and its ability to attract top are associated with minimal cost inclusion. Diversity gives a competitive to their non-discrimination laws, Cities are in constant competition for talent and innovative business. and pay dividends in productivity and edge in innovation and economic LGBT-inclusive employee practices, residents, business, and employees, and retention. growth. Equality can pay—LGBT inclusiveness in city services and law inclusiveness is an important factor that The Fortune 500 has long recognized inclusion is a key factor in attracting top enforcement, and their leadership’s attracts all three. that top talent is attracted to The competition to attract new business talent that spurs innovation, higher living outspoken commitment to equality. inclusiveness. In fact, the private sector will only get more fierce as the disparity standards, and creativity. A growing body of research has has been using fair workplaces as a tool between the two Americas—the one Richard Florida shown that cities that have vibrant to recruit and retain top talent for years, America where states offer near-legal In today’s economy—roughly 50 million Director of the Martin Prosperity gay and lesbian communities because fair workplaces enhance an equality for LGBT people and the ©Jaime Hogge people including scientists, engineers, Institute at the University of Toronto’s have higher levels of income, life employer’s reputation, increase job other where even the most basic state and entrepreneurs, researchers and Rotman School of Management; satisfaction, housing values, and satisfaction, and boost employee protections don’t exist—continues to academics, architects and designers, Global Research Professor at New emotional attachment to their morale. grow. Businesses will increasingly artists, entertainers and professionals York University; Senior Editor with The community as well as higher have to evaluate the legal landscape in business, media, management, health Atlantic; and author of The Rise of the concentrations of high-tech Cities are subject to the same offered by a potential new location care and law—are in search of a home Creative Class. business. incentives for their employees, and in its calculation of where to expand that is collaborative, dynamic, and must compete with the private sector in operations; in the America where diverse. Where the creative class goes, Additionally, college-educated people’s offering inclusive policies and benefits state protections are weak, cities are businesses follow. migration is strongly correlated with a for their LGBT employees or risk losing under additional competitive pressure to city’s concentration of gay and lesbian their best employees to more inclusive institute municipal protections that make Inclusivity creates more incentive for people, more so than city size, city employers. up for the deficiencies at the state level. businesses to move to a city and plant roots. Residents experience a better life satisfaction and an increased emotional attachment to their community. This not only attracts, but retains people and businesses alike. Cities are in constant competition for residents, business, and employees, and inclusiveness is an important factor that attracts all three.

Cities across the country have realized the value of full inclusion. Diversity gives a competitive edge in innovation and economic growth.

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.

2015 55 new CITIES (89,260,006 Population Total Rated in 2015) 2012—2014 353 Cities Rated by the 2014 mEI (84,442,640 population)

10 HOW IT WORKS KS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HHOWOW ITIT WORWORKSKS 11 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Cities Leading the Way to Equality

Big changes in the landscape for Nearly half of the states in our country This makes the role of cities that much Momentum in cities of Cities are acting where LGBT equality made headlines this lack statewide non-discrimination laws more urgent: of the 89 million people all kinds their states have not year as marriage equality came that include sexual orientation and living in MEI-rated municipalities, Every region of the country boasted Thirty-one MEI “All-Stars” scored over to every state across the country, gender identity. 37 million have more inclusive laws a perfect 100-point score this 85 points despite the state not having understandably overshadowing at the municipal level than they do at year—equality isn’t a simply coastal a statewide non-discrimination law municipal changes. the state level. 32 million people phenomenon. including sexual orientation or gender have explicit gender identity or identity as protected characteristics. Yet, the continuing forward progress expression protections at the Cities of all sizes, chosen for rating Cities selected for rating due to their being made at the municipal level in municipal level that they do not for any of several different reasons, high proportion of same-sex couples did cities big and small and in all regions of have at the state level. from states with LGBT-inclusive remarkably better than cities as a whole the country remains critically important. laws and states without, have made (they averaged 83 points in comparison The 2015 MEI demonstrates the Cities around the country recognize municipal equality a priority in their to the national average of 56 points), exciting advancements continuing the importance of ensuring all people jurisdiction. Ten of the forty-seven and that effect was magnified when the to be made across America; it have the ability to live and work without cities that scored 100 points had city was also one of the largest cities also demonstrates the power of fear of discrimination because of their populations of under 100,000 people, in the state (average of 94 points). municipalities to effect change in their sexual orientation or gender identity. and every region of the country had Overall, however, city size did not have a communities. at least one perfect score. significant relationship to a city’s score.

Non-discrimination ordinances Non-discrimination laws are more important than ever in the wake of this Of the 47 cities that scored 100 points: summer’s Supreme Court decision. In too many parts of the country it is possible for a person to marry their same-sex partner on a Saturday only to come into the office Monday to find they’ve been fired for being LGBT.

Cities benefit in multiple ways when they elect openly LGBT leadership.

compared to cities without in our measure of to offer trans-inclusive openly LGBT leadership political leadership on healthcare benefits matters of equality

12 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 13 Success Story: Jersey city, new jersey

One Tuesday afternoon in In 2013, we created the Mayor’s September, a group of activists, LGBT Task Force to serve as citizens and elected officials a liaison group between our Explosive growth in cities Law Enforcement It is imperative that we not lose focus gathered beneath a rainbow flag administration and the community. offering transgender- As we work to reduce the incidence of on implementing these types of policies, hung from Jersey City’s city hall, This group has worked tirelessly with inclusive health care to anti-trans violence, we look to exactly and the MEI shows that cities are and there we announced that city departments and agencies to city employees the types of policies and services on the forefront of addressing these we would cover transgender- institute diversity training programs The number of cities offering the MEI focuses on to try to make a challenges. For cities interested in related health care for municipal and inclusive hiring practices, as transgender inclusive health care to difference in changing the attitudes improving their relationship with the employees. We were the first well as partnering with the larger their employees continues to rapidly and circumstances that put transgender LGBT community, the law enforcement large city in New Jersey to do this. community on events that help local grow, with 66 cities offering those people at particular risk of experiencing section is a good place to begin. LBGT organizations further spread benefits this year. This is both the violence. This is just the latest of our efforts to awareness on important issues. highest number of cities offering Cities have incredible power to effect advanced LGBT rights. these benefits as well as the largest Prohibitions on discrimination and change in their communities, and the Government has a responsibility percentage of cities rated (16%). This bullying, proliferation of trans-inclusive MEI demonstrates that many cities Jersey City is one of the most diverse to be a legitimizing force, to pull item continues to be one of the most healthcare, and city services serving the continue to take action to ensure cities in the nation, and we pride people in the direction of what often discussed criterion of the MEI. populations of the LGBT community that LGBT people are included in the ourselves on the efforts to celebrate is right, especially on LGBT issues. who are the most at risk, all combined city’s laws, policies, and services. It the cultures and communities that We are working hard to make with well-informed, respectful policing, also demonstrates that cities are make this true. sure that diversity and inclusion is can help address some of the factors well-positioned to move beyond the celebrated in Jersey City, for every that subject transwomen of color to major victory for marriage equality this individual in every community. violence at shocking rates. Every city year and address the many ongoing scoring 100 points reported hate challenges that the LGBT community STEVE FULOP crimes to the FBI, and 91% of them continues to face. Mayor had LGBT police liaisons.

Jersey City is one of the most diverse cities Law enforcement plays a key role in a in the nation, and we pride ourselves on the supportive community. efforts to celebrate the cultures and communities that make this true.

86% OF CITIES WITH POLICE LIASIONS

have police liasons report hate crimes report their hate crimes on the force to the FBI to the FBI

14 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei SUCCESS STORY 15 Success Story: CITY SELECTION Equality Ohio

While always advocating for Three of Ohio’s biggest cities Sometimes, municipal projects are statewide nondiscrimination (Cincinnati, Cleveland and prompted by a high-profile case How Cities Were Selected for Rating legislation to protect the Columbus) have robust LGBTQ of discrimination and a motivated LGBTQ community, Equality protections, as do 11 other “champion” on a local city council. The 2015 Municipal Equality Index of the applicable incorporated local is not a state, either, it is more properly Ohio is continuing to work with municipalities in a mix of urban, We recently found such a champion rates 408 municipalities of varying government (the entity actually compared to a state than it is to a city. municipalities throughout Ohio suburban and rural areas. in Bexley, Ohio (a suburb of sizes drawn from every state in the rated, often the county, will be clearly For that reason, Washington, D.C. is to increase local protections Columbus). In partnership with nation. These include: the 50 state indicated). included in HRC’s annual State Equality for LGBTQ people who face But even with 14 municipalities HRC, we were able to assist the city capitals, the 200 largest cities in the Index. More information on Washington, discrimination. in Ohio having nondiscrimination in the process of passing a strong United States, the five largest cities or Significant overlap between these D.C.’s laws and policies can be viewed protections in place, only about nondiscrimination ordinance earlier municipalities in each state, the cities categories of cities brings the total on the maps of state laws located at 18% of Ohioans are protected. this year. home to the state’s two largest public number of cities rated in the 2015 MEI http://www.hrc.org/campaigns/state- universities (including undergraduate to 408. In 2012, the MEI rated 137 equality-index. Equality Ohio’s municipal projects And we work to make existing local and graduate enrollment) and 75 cities; in 2013, 291; and in 2014, 353. aim to increase that percentage. laws better. Cleveland’s existing cities and municipalities that have high As the publication goes on the number nondiscrimination law has a large proportions of same-sex couples. of cities rated will continue to increase. Our primary strategy to add city exemption which allows businesses protections is data-driven—we to discriminate against transgender These 75 cities with highest proportions WHY ISN’T WASHINGTON, assess which Ohio municipalities people. With strong support from of same-sex couples are drawn from D.c. RATED? are most ready to receive our legal HRC, we have built a large coalition an analysis of the 2010 Census results Washington, D.C. is not rated by and policy analysis and outreach. of stakeholders from the community by the Williams Institute at the UCLA the MEI, even though it has a high Our secondary strategy is creative— and spent more than a year School of Law which ranked the 25 proportion of same-sex couples and fits we recently sent a letter to every educating about what it means to large cities (population exceeding into several of the city selection criteria. mayor’s office in Ohio (over 900 in be transgender. The issue is on 250,000), 25 mid-size cities (population Unlike the cities rated in the MEI, all) explaining how we can help them the city council’s agenda and we between 100,000 and 250,000), however, Washington D.C. is a federal enact nondiscrimination policy or are pushing for a vote to remove and 25 small cities (population below district. This means that it has powers law. Nine Ohio municipalities ranging these harmful exemptions by the end 100,000) with the highest proportion and limitations so significantly different in populations from 476 to tens of 2015. of same-sex couples. To be consistent, from the municipalities the MEI rates of thousands responded favorably we rated all twenty-five of these small that the comparison would be unfair— to our letter and are now considering Municipal work can be challenging, cities, even though some of these for example, no city rated by the MEI the best way to put protections but we take pride in every single small “cities” are in fact unincorporated has the legal capacity to pass marriage in place. city that starts the conversation census-designated places. In that equality, as Washington, D.C. did in about why it is important to protect case, we rated the laws and policies 2009. While the District of Columbia all Ohioans from discrimination.

Alana Jochum Managing Director

Municipal work can be challenging, but we take pride in every single city that starts the conversation about why it is important to protect all Ohioans from discrimination.

16 SUCCESS STORY hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 17 2015 MEI Scorecard

CITY, STATE 1/2 CITY, STATE 2/2 2015 MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX SCORECARD 2015 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 LGBT Police Liaison or Task Force discrimination on the basis of sexual X X X X X X 5 5 responsible reporting of hate crimes and X 10 orientation and gender identity is Housing engaging with the LGBT community in a prohibited by the city, county, or state in Reported 2013 Hate Crimes Statistics X X X X X X 5 5 thoughtful and respectful way. X 12 areas of employment, housing, and to the FBI public accommodations. Public Accommodations X X X X X X 5 5 SCORE x out of 22

SCORE x out of 30

V. Relationship with the LGBT Community CITY AVAILABLE

CITY AVAILABLE II. Municipality as Employer This category measures the city leadership’s Leadership’s Public Position on LGBT Equality commitment to fully include the LGBT X 5 By offering equivalent benefits and Non-Discrimination in City Employment community and to advocate for full equality. X X 6 6 Leadership’s Pro-Equality Legislative protections to LGBT employees, and by or Policy Efforts X 3 awarding contracts to fair-minded businesses, Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare Benefits municipalities commit themselves to treating X 6 LGBT employees equally. SCORE x out of 8 City Contractor Non-Discrimination Ordinance X X 3 3 BONUS Openly LGBT elected or appointed +X +3 municipal leaders SCORE out of 24 BONUS Cities are pro-equality despite x +X +4 restrictive state law BONUS Municipality is a Welcoming +X +2 Place to Work

III. Municipal Services STATE COUNTY CITY AVAILABLE TOTAL SCORE XXX + TOTAL BONUS XX = Final Score XXX This section assesses the efforts of the city Human Rights Commission CANNOT EXCEED 100 to ensure LGBT constituents are included in X 5 city services and programs. LGBT Liaison in the Mayor’s Office X 5

Enumerated Anti-Bullying School Policies X X X X X X 3 3

SCORE x out of 16

BONUS Enforcement mechanism in Human +X +3 Rights Commission

BONUS City provides services to LGBT youth +X +2

BONUS City provides services to LGBT +X +2 homeless BONUS City provides services to LGBT +X +2 elderly 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 people +X +2 living with HIV/AIDS 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].

1 hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei 2

18 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 19 Success Story: Scoring Criteria Equality Arizona

Arizona cities have led the way As a founding member of the in enacting non-discrimination Competitive Arizona Coalition, I. Non-Discrimination Laws protections for their employees Equality Arizona is a part of the fight and residents. Five Arizona cities for statewide non-discrimination It should not be legal to deny points can come from now have these protections— protections. Municipal work has someone the ability to work, rent state law, county law, Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, been—and will continue to be— a home, or be served in a place or city law. Tempe and Sedona—with still vital in our efforts to secure equal of public accommodation because more considering municipal laws. protections all across Arizona, as of their sexual orientation or If the state or county has a comprehensive we build coalitions of support and gender identity. and inclusive non-discrimination law that Equality Arizona has been a proud educate folks across our state about applies within the city limits, a city may partner in advocating for these today’s reality: too many Arizonans This category evaluates whether conclude it is an inefficient use of resources policies, knowing that every included can be fired or evicted because of discrimination on the basis of sexual to pass a local non-discrimination ordinance. municipal employee or resident is who they are. orientation and gender identity is prohibited For that reason, so long as the protections another person who need not fear within the city in areas of employment, of a state or county law apply within being fired or refused service or Catherine Alonzo housing, and public accommodations. In city limits, the city effectively has such housing based on who they are. Co-Chair of the Board each category, cities receive five points protections, and the state or county law will for prohibiting discrimination on the basis earn the city points in Part I. If there is no We have also been proud to partner Nate Rhoton of sexual orientation and five points for state or county law, but the city has passed with the City of Phoenix on effective Co-Chair of the Board prohibiting discrimination on the basis an ordinance of its own volition, the city will and smooth implementation of of gender identity. All non-discrimination receive credit for those non-discrimination their non-discrimination ordinance, laws ought to be fully inclusive of lesbian, protections. However, where laws exist at serving to educate the public about gay, bisexual and transgender people. both the city and the state (or county) level, what their rights are and what to do Sexual orientation-only protections are not the city will not receive double (or triple) when things go wrong. We seek to sufficient to protect the LGBT community points—the maximum points in this section share these lessons with other cities from discrimination. are capped at 30. to ensure effective implementation and authentic protections in municipalities across the nation.

Every included municipal employee or resident is another person who need not fear being fired or refused service or housing based on who they are.

20 SUCCESS STORY hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 21 Addressing an Epidemic of Anti-Transgender Violence: What Cities Can Do

In 2014, at least 13 transgender As of Transgender Day of Given the intersections of racism, Building better relationships between isn’t appropriate, and they can provide To that end, next year’s scorecard people were murdered in the Remembrance this year, at least sexism, and poverty in the lives of the transgender community and the context about the social conditions that will reflect an additional bonus United States, and at least 19 21 transgender people have been the people most vulnerable to anti- police is absolutely critical. According make transgender people particularly item under the Municipal Services were murdered in 2013. Their murdered. These totals represent only transgender violence, it is a tremendous to the 2011 National Transgender subject to discrimination and violence. Section entitled “City provides deaths were gruesome—involving the known victims; there may very well challenge to unwind the social and Discrimination Survey conducted by services to/supports transgender- gunshots, burning, strangulation and be countless other victims of fatal anti- economic factors that put them at such the National Center for Transgender Other policy recommendations address specific programming.” beating—and many have transgender violence whose deaths we heightened levels of risk—however, it is Equality and the National LGBTQ Task anti-transgender discrimination in other gone unsolved. will never know about because police, critical that we try. Some of the issues Force, 22% of transgender people facets of life in order to alleviate the These points will be awarded the press or family members have are actually relatively easy to tackle, who had interacted with police discriminatory pressures that can push for employment programs, post- consistently misidentified them based such as correcting the misreporting and reported bias-based harassment transgender women, particularly of incarceration reentry programs, violence on their assigned sex and name at birth. underreporting of these hate crimes. from police, and nearly half said color, toward situations like survival sex prevention programs, and other they were uncomfortable turning work which put them at extreme risk transgender-specific programming that The brutality and scope of this violence Hate crimes reporting is the single to the police for help. of violence. isn’t captured by one of the existing is terrible, and it has a disproportionate most heavily weighted element rated municipal services criteria evaluating effect on transgender women of color. on the MEI. Every city that scored 100 The MEI asks cities to have LGBT These recommendations include city services for LGBT homeless, LGBT Among the 53 known transgender points on the MEI reported hate crimes liaisons in the police department passing non-discrimination laws, elders, LGBT youth, or people living with victims from 2013-2015, 46 (87%) to the FBI, but we know for a fact that to ensure that the police are more ensuring health care coverage includes HIV or AIDS. of these were people of color; at least significant underreporting occurs. The accountable to the LGBT community gender-affirming care, focusing on 46 were women. The average age of vast majority of jurisdictions either fail to and more aware of the ways in which transgender-specific employment There is no simple answer to curbing all of the victims at the time of their report their data or inaccurately report the LGBT community’s concerns about placement and training programs, this disturbing trend of anti-transgender death was less than 31 years old. A that they have had no hate crimes in interactions with the police are unique. and implementing inclusive bullying violence, but the policies articulated conservative estimate shows that their jurisdiction. An analysis of the protections in schools. by the MEI offer an important place transgender women face 4.3 times the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics, 2013 A liaison can be called to a scene of to start. For more information on the risk of becoming homicide victims than report, the most recent data available a suspected hate crime to ensure the All but one of these policy causes of and responses to anti- the general population of all women. during our research period, showed situation is handled with the gravity recommendations have been addressed transgender violence, please visit that at least three high-profile anti- and sensitivity it requires, they can be a by the MEI since its inception. The http://www.hrc.org/trans-violence. transgender murders went unreported source of knowledge to other officers exception is transgender-specific despite evidence that the perpetrators about things like proper pronoun usage employment placement and training were clearly motivated by the victim’s and when using a legal name is or programs. gender identity.

It is a tremendous challenge to unwind the There is no simple answer to curbing the social and economic factors that put transgender disturbing trend of anti-transgender violence, women of color at such heightened levels of but the policies articulated by the MEI offer risk—however, it is critical that we try. an important place to start.

22 HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — ANTI-TRANSGENDER VIOLENCE hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — ANTI-TRANSGENDER VIOLENCE 23 Success Story: louisville, kentucky

For nearly two decades, LGBT trainings, changed policy to II. Municipality as Employer Louisville has been a leader of be certain city contractors protect LGBT civil rights in the South. their LGBT workers, and launched This section is among the most Transgender-Inclusive City Requires its We were among the first initiatives to address our most heavily weighted because almost Healthcare Benefits. Contractors to cities to pass a trans-inclusive vulnerable populations, including every municipality has immediate Cities, like other employers, provide Have Inclusive Non- anti-discrimination Fairness LGBT youth, elderly, and homeless. control over its employment health benefits to their employees, but Discrimination Policies. Ordinance in 1999 and led on policies. Respect for LGBT some employees routinely have critical Cities who take fair workplaces domestic partner benefits for city Most recently, we rolled out the employees is clearly demonstrated and medically necessary treatment seriously also require city contractors workers. red carpet for LGBT couples by the inclusiveness of these excluded from the health care to have inclusive non-discrimination by asking them to “Say I do in employment policies. options they are offered. Transgender policies. An equal opportunity Now, with the continued leadership Lou”—a campaign of the Louisville employees are routinely denied health ordinance, as these are sometimes of Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau to City Prohibits care coverage for gender-affirming known, requires city contractors to has doubled its HRC Municipal encourage LGBT folks to tie the Discrimination in City care such as hormone replacement adopt non-discrimination policies that Equality Index score in just two years knot in our “fair” city, earning us Employment. therapy, gender confirmation surgery, prohibit adverse employment actions to become one of the only southern the distinction as one of Travel & Cities can adopt internal hiring cities with a perfect 100! Leisure’s “Nine Perfect Places for and other medically necessary care. on the basis of sexual orientation policies that prohibit employment Your LGBT Wedding Destination.” Municipalities must provide at least (3 points) and gender identity or discrimination (including hiring, Fairness Campaign leaders one health insurance plan (6 points) expression (3 points). promotions, termination, and have worked in intentional and So come out, “Say I do in Lou,” and that provides coverage for transgender compensation) on the basis of sexual meaningful ways with Louisville share some #LouisvilleLove! healthcare needs (gender confirmation Municipality is an orientation (6 points) and gender Metro Government to ensure our surgeries, hormone replacement Inclusive Workplace identity or expression (6 points). It is entire community is welcoming therapy, and other gender-affirming (Bonus Points). a fundamental principle of fairness and inclusive. We’ve developed care). The policy must affirmatively This section measures whether the Greg Fischer that an employee should be judged and implemented comprehensive include gender-affirming care; a lack city is a welcoming workplace for Mayor on his or her ability to perform the of exclusion is not sufficient for an LGBT employees as measured by the responsibilities of a position, and not award of points because this care is following: the city actively recruits LGBT by who they are or whom they love. routinely presumed to be not covered. employees, or conducts LGBT-inclusive A state-level non-discrimination law diversity training, or it has an LGBT or a local non-discrimination ordinance employee affinity group (a total of 2 alone is not sufficient to earn these bonus points are awarded if any of points—personnel policies must these exist). enumerate sexual orientation and Fairness Campaign leaders have worked in gender identity in order for the city Number of Rated Cities Offering to receive credit. intentional and meaningful ways with Louisville Trans-Inclusive Health Benefits Metro Government to ensure our entire community is welcoming and inclusive.

2012 2013 2014 2015

5 of 137 16 of 291 42 of 353 66 of 408

24 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei SUCCESS STORY 25 Success Story: Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis is one of the Indianapolis has had a comprehensive largest cities in the country, and law on the books for a decade that III. Services and Programs it’s a wonderful place to live. prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender Census data shows that LGBT Similarly, an LGBT liaison to the Mayor While in some cases cities do not We have more cultural attractions identity. people live in virtually every city or City Manager’s office (5 points) is directly control school districts, it per person than most other cities; in the country, but not every responsible for looking at city policies is nevertheless appropriate to hold we have thriving arts and food People are increasingly moving city recognizes that their LGBT and services through an LGBT lens the city accountable for leading scenes; we’re home to major and to where they want to live, and constituents can have different and speaking up when a policy or a conversation on something as minor league sports year round. not necessarily because of where needs. This section assesses the service might exclude LGBT people. fundamental as ensuring children And we have an entrepreneurial the jobs are. For any city to be efforts of the city to include LGBT This position is also known to be a have a safe place to learn. industry that’s creating jobs and competitive and attract top talent, constituents in city services and friendly ear to constituents who want revitalizing neighborhoods across they need to lead by showing programs. to bring LGBT-related issues to the city The MEI also evaluates city services the city. they’re open for business. Municipal government but are fearful they might that address segments of the LGBT governments can demonstrate that Human Rights Commissions do be dismissed or misunderstood. population who are particularly The entire state of Indiana was goal by putting into place policies important work to identify and eliminate vulnerable and may have specific and under a spotlight at the beginning that value diversity. That’s what discrimination; even in jurisdictions Anti-bullying policies in schools are also acute needs. While all people age, of 2015 because of the proposed we’ve done in Indianapolis. where LGBT equality isn’t explicitly a included in the MEI; a state, county, or battle illness, struggle to fit in, and Religious Freedom Restoration Act. part of the commission’s charter, these city may prohibit bullying on the basis work hard to improve their lot in life, It was important for us in Indianapolis Greg Ballard commissions investigate complaints, of sexual orientation (3 points) and these struggles can be different and to make clear that we believe every Mayor educate the city, and sometimes gender identity or expression (3 points). particularly difficult for LGBT people. single person has value, regardless enforce non-discrimination laws. Where there are multiple school Cities can address these challenges of their sexual orientation, gender Human Rights Commissions serve as districts within city limits, credit will only by offering services—or supporting a identity, or gender expression. important bridges between constituents be given at the local level if at least third party provider of these services— and their city. 75% of students within these school to LGBT youth, LGBT elderly, LGBT districts are covered by enumerated homeless people, or people who are A Human Rights Commission will be anti-bullying policies. HIV-positive or living with AIDS (2 worth five standard points if its purpose bonus points for each service the city is largely or entirely educational. These provides). commissions may hold community discussions, screen movies, present panels, take public comment, advise the city on matters of diversity and inclusion, develop policies and strategies for making the city more While all people age, battle illness, struggle inclusive, and undertake other similar types of endeavors. Where, in addition to fit in, and work hard to improve their lot in to the functions listed above, a Human life, these struggles can be different and For any city to be competitive and attract top Rights Commission has the authority to particularly difficult for LGBT people. talent, they need to lead by showing they’re conciliate, issue a right to sue letter, or otherwise enforce non-discrimination open for business. protections, that commission will earn three bonus points in addition to the five standard points awarded above.

26 SUCCESS STORY hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 27 IV. Law Enforcement V. Relationship with the LGBT 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 LGBT safety for all by treating LGBT 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 executive orders or the passage however, as HRC reported in its resolution in support of a state level suspicion, misunderstanding, remaining mindful of the LGBT crimes based on sexual orientation 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 and gender identity, to the FBI (12 leader marches in a Pride parade, four in ten LGBT youth surveyed said not something the city can legislate, concerns and engaging the community points). Such reporting demonstrates a city joins a pro-equality amicus the community in which they live is not it is a powerful statement of the city’s LGBT people are vulnerable to violence in a positive way. law enforcement’s attention to these brief, a city council dedicates a park accepting of LGBT people, and 60% principles nonetheless. arising from bigotry and ignorance, crimes and ensures that the larger to an LGBT civil rights leader, or a of the youth surveyed said they heard and this danger is only exacerbated An LGBT police liaison (10 points) can law enforcement community is able city paints its crosswalks in rainbow negative messages about being LGBT The level of support for pro-equality when police are perceived to be part of serve as an important bridge between to accurately gauge the scope and colors, it sends a message to LGBT from elected leaders. legislation is also reflected in this the problem. the community and law enforcement. responses to them. people that they are a valued part of section. The second category rates The liaison is an advocate for fair and the community. Further, LGBT youth are twice as likely the persistence of the city leadership respectful enforcement of the law as as their peers to say they will need to in pursuing legislation or policies that well as an officer that the community move from their hometown in order to further equality (on a scale of zero to can rely upon to appropriately respond feel accepted. When elected leaders three points). to sensitive issues. speak out on matters of equality, their constituents do hear—and it informs Note that even small or unsuccessful their constituents’ perception of safety, efforts are recognized in this category, inclusion, and belonging. and that these efforts may be heavily weighted if the city’s political LGBT people are vulnerable to violence arising This category, therefore, measures the environment is not conducive to passing commitment of the city to include the pro-equality legislation. from bigotry and ignorance, and this danger LGBT community and to advocate for is only exacerbated when police are perceived to full equality. Finally, this section also includes two opportunities to earn bonus points: first, be part of the problem. The first category rates city leadership for openly LGBT people holding elected (on a scale of zero to five points) on or appointed office in the municipality its public statements on matters of (three bonus points); and second, for equality, particularly where the city cities who do all they can in the face leadership pushes for equality in the of state law that restricts their ability to face of substantial adversity. pass LGBT-inclusive laws or policies (four bonus points).

When a city leader marches in a Pride parade, a city joins a pro-equality amicus brief, a city council dedicates a park to an LGBT civil rights leader, or a city paints its crosswalks in rainbow colors, it sends a message to LGBT people that they are a valued part of the community.

28 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 29 THE CASE FOR RETAINING DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP LAWS AND POLICIES Domestic Partner Benefits in City Employment

Starting in 1984 with Berkeley, Domestic partnership laws and policies With this year’s Obergefell v. Hodges Respecting Family Benefits like health insurance, life Requiring that employees obtain California, municipalities across provided a way for cities, unsatisfied United States Supreme Court decision, Diversity insurance, family leave, bereavement marriage licenses in order to qualify the country began honoring with the lack of relationship recognition which brought about nationwide Today’s families come in a variety leave, relocation assistance, and pension for essential benefits can place LGBT the commitment of same-sex laws at the state level, to proudly display marriage equality, municipalities that of shapes and sizes. Many couples benefits are central to the livelihood and employees and their families at risk couples within their workforces their values of inclusion and equality previously implemented employee decide not to get married for important well-being of employees, their partners, of discrimination in states without and throughout their cities by while extending vital benefits and legal domestic partner benefits and citywide personal and practical reasons. and their legal dependents. Employees explicit nondiscrimination protections. implementing domestic partner protections to same-sex couples and domestic partnership registries are Maintaining domestic partner benefits who choose not to get married for For example, if an LGBT employee benefits for city employees and their families. In addition to extending faced with the question of whether provides validation and essential personal or practical reasons are just is, in effect, “outed” by being required citywide domestic partnership benefits to same-sex couples, many these benefits and protections should benefits to unmarried employees and as deserving of these benefits as to obtain a public marriage license in registries. domestic partnership laws and policies continue to be offered. As a matter of their families. By continuing to offer those who opt to marry. Denying these a state that doesn’t provide explicit also extended benefits to unmarried inclusion, fairness, equal compensation, domestic partner benefits, municipalities families the benefits that their married nondiscrimination protections, it could different-sex couples and their families. and good business, municipalities demonstrate their respect for the broad counterparts enjoy amounts to unequal place that employee and their family at should not only retain their domestic diversity of families that exists within compensation. Moreover, citywide risk of being denied credit, housing and partnership laws and policies, but their workforces. ordinances that require municipalities access to public accommodations. should expand them (where applicable) and private employers to extend equal to include all couples—same and Benefits Continuity and benefits to domestic partners and legal These distinctions in protections are different-sex—and their families. Equal Compensation dependents of employees should be significant, and expose LGBT people Revoking existing domestic partnership vigorously defended. to risks when traveling or relocating policies in municipal employment would to states that may be forced to take away vital benefits that countless Protecting Families from honor their marriage license, but still public employees and their families Discrimination discriminate against them in core depend on. Municipalities that move to While marriage equality is a tremendous aspects of daily life. City employment eliminate these policies, and instead step forward, LGBT employees are still policies should not place LGBT workers require marriage to ensure partner left open to risks and vulnerabilities to and their loved ones in a position of By continuing to offer domestic partner benefits, and family benefits, are putting their which their non-LGBT counterparts increased vulnerability and uncertainty. employees’ family members at risk of are not subject. Maintaining domestic Maintaining private employer-based municipalities demonstrate their respect for the being uninsured. partnership policies in city employment domestic partnership policies can help broad diversity of families that exists within is an essential tool in safeguarding protect LGBT employees and their LGBT employees and their families from families from the unique risks they still their workforces. these unique risks. face today.

75% 66% of 2014 MEI-Rated Cities Offered of Fortune 500 Companies Offered Domestic Partner Benefits Domestic Partner Health Benefits to City Employees

30 HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS 31 Citywide Domestic Partnership Registries

Good for Business Negligible Cost Companies report increases in In addition to offering their employees Protecting Families from Conclusion Best in class employers continue to As has been shown over their long medical claims of less than 1 percent domestic partner benefits, many Discrimination Retaining domestic partnership laws offer domestic partner benefits to same history of existence, the cost to after domestic partner coverage was municipalities also offer citywide Domestic partnership registries and policies is a matter of fundamental and different-sex couples, accounting employers of maintaining domestic introduced.” By keeping existing domestic partnership registries that offer a way to extend essential fairness, inclusion, and equality. Instead for family diversity within a competitive partner benefits is negligible. A 2005 domestic partnership policies, cities can grant unmarried couples and their legal protections to all families while of eliminating employee domestic talent pool. Cities that continue to Hewitt Associates study found that the continue to enjoy the many advantages families important legal protections. providing a greater opportunity for partner benefits and citywide domestic provide these benefits are sending a majority of employers—64 percent— of extending these benefits with These essential protections often privacy than marriage—which, for same- partnership registries, cities that clear message to the most talented experience a total financial impact of negligible associated costs. include the right to visit a partner at sex couples living in states without currently maintain these benefits and workers that they value inclusion and less than 1 percent of total benefits health care and correctional facilities, nondiscrimination protections, can protections only for same-sex couples family diversity. cost, 88 percent experience financial the right to make health care decisions mean greater protection from the threat should open them up to all couples. impacts of 2 percent or less and only for an incapacitated partner, and the of discrimination. Although citywide Preserving domestic partnership Retaining domestic partner benefits 5 percent experience financial impacts right to participate in the education of a domestic partnership registries are laws and policies honors the many demonstrates that a city values its of 3 percent or greater of total benefits partner’s children. public, the need to personally disclose family structures that exist today and employees, which in turn increases cost. Although this study focused on domestic partnerships in everyday respects the important personal and employee morale and productivity. domestic partner benefits offered to Respecting Family life occurs less frequently than the practical considerations that factor This is why many municipalities across same-sex couples, an earlier Hewitt Diversity need to disclose one’s marital status. into a couple’s decision not to marry. the country and over sixty percent Associates study conducted in 1997 Domestic partnership registries Consequently, residents in same-sex It ensures that families are not cut of Fortune 500 companies have found that the cost to employers was respect the diversity of all families domestic partnerships can have the off from essential benefits like health implemented domestic partner benefits “minimal, with the addition of domestic within a city. As noted with regard security of citywide legal protections for insurance and vital legal protections like for their employees. partners, regardless of whether to city employee domestic partner their families as well as a greater ability the right to make health care decisions coverage was extended to same-sex benefits, many couples decide not to to protect the privacy of their families for an incapacitated partner. or opposite-sex domestic partners. get married for important personal and in places where they are especially practical reasons. Maintaining domestic vulnerable to discrimination. Moreover, requiring people to obtain partnership registries provides validation public marriage licenses can effectively and essential legal protections to these Good for Business “out” LGBT city employees, placing couples and their families. Citywide domestic partnership laws them and their families at a unique cost of offering domestic partner benefits fuel economic growth and development risk of discrimination in states that Fundamental Legal by helping attract businesses. lack explicit protections. Finally, Protections Municipalities that extend legal domestic partnership laws and policies As has been shown over their long Undoing local domestic partnership protections to all families signal to continue to be good for business, history of existence, the cost to 5% registries would suddenly strip families businesses that they are inclusive helping to attract talented workers employers of maintaining domestic 7% of vital legal protections like the right to places that will respect the diversity and businesses, and serving to boost partner benefits is negligible. make important health care decisions of businesses’ employees and their employee morale and productivity—all for an incapacitated partner and the families; places where businesses’ at a negligible cost. right to participate in the education of employees can grow and thrive with % of Total Benefits cost their partner’s children. All families— the peace of mind that their families even those that decide against will be recognized and afforded key less than 1% marriage—should have access to these legal protections, even if they decide fundamental protections. not to marry. 1%—1.9% 24% 64% 2%—2.9% 3% or more

employers surveyed

“Benefit Programs for Domestic Partners & Same-Sex Spouses,” Hewitt Associates (July 2005).

32 HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS: ISSUE BRIEF — DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS 33 Acknowledging Context

Not All Cities Are Created Equal Fair Assessment Respects Legal Differences

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

The MEI is designed to understand the Even the most thoughtful survey of laws and unique situation of each city and is structured policies cannot encapsulate the lived to reward the specific achievements of a local experience of discrimination that many government. LGBT people—even those living in 100-point cities—face every day.

34 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 35 City Size Not Predictive of MEI Score Accounting for City Size

The MEI rates municipalities as Fairness dictates that the MEI not A city can earn “Welcoming Workplace” small as Rehoboth Beach, Delaware measure small cities against a standard bonus points for LGBT-specific (2010 population according to the only the metropolitan giants of the recruitment for city employment US Census: 1,327) and as large country can meet. opportunities; however, if the city is as New York City (2010 population too small to actively recruit, it can earn according to the US Census: The MEI is designed to ensure that those same points either through an 8,175,133). Such a range in city size small cities have the same ability inclusive workplace diversity training creates concerns about ensuring to score well on the MEI as large or facilitating a Pride group for city that the efforts of small cities are cities do. employees. not diminished in comparison to the capabilities of large cities. First, while some of the criteria might Having alternative paths to the same be more challenging for a small city points and classifying some points to accomplish, none of the non-bonus as bonus accommodates the varying criteria are prohibitive for small cities. needs and capabilities of different Further, flexibility was built into the sized cities. scoring system to acknowledge that a small city may accomplish the criteria An analysis of the MEI’s results over in a slightly different manner: for the past several editions shows these example, an LGBT liaison may have efforts to accommodate small cities many other duties, and a Human Rights worked: small cities were able to score Commission might be all-volunteer. comparably with the large cities.

Second, the MEI uses bonus points Approximately a third of the cities to ensure cities are not being held rated qualify as “small”, and these accountable for services that they continue to be represented more or simply are unable to provide. Points less proportionally across the range pertaining to a city’s administrative of scores, including perfect scores. structure and capabilities are generally In every edition the data has clearly bonus points and there often are showed that a city’s score is not well multiple paths to earning the same set predicted by its size. of points.

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

36 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 37 MEI All-Stars

Balancing State and Local Laws

Cities are creations of the state. The MEI balances the influence of High Scores in States Without Supportive Laws Cities are granted the power to govern LGBT-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—are inclusive non-discrimination law, a more limited in the scope of their city city may not be incentivized to pass government. an ordinance extending duplicative protections, but it should still have those To be a worthwhile survey of cities 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 LGBT law is would not be a true evaluation of cities. the subject being surveyed. Some cities The success of this balanced approach are hampered from passing pro-equality is demonstrated by a number of cities laws by state law that limits their ability who were able to achieve perfect to do so; others come from states with scores despite being in states that do strong pro-equality laws that ensure a not have pro-equality laws. 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.

38 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 39 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, 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 and North Carolina, for example, will 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 not prohibits cities from doing so or through never be able to score as well as line is that these vital protections don’t is a blueprint for positive change meaning. Realistically, the MEI simply receive credit for reporting hate crimes if application of the Dillon’s Rule (which cities with comparable dedication to exist for the folks who live and work in and an opportunity for cities to has no objective way of measuring the the city hasn’t reported any hate crimes prevents cities from providing broader equality that exist in states without the these cities. That these cities will face become aware of best practices quality of enforcement. Even the most of any kind this year or for five previous nondiscrimination protections than restrictive laws. an uphill battle in earning points for in municipal equality. It is not a thoughtful survey of laws and policies years. The MEI deems this effectively those offered under state law) to LGBT- certain criteria on the MEI is a reflection ranking of the friendliest cities to cannot objectively assess the efficacy non-reporting because the probability inclusive legislation. However, the MEI provides avenues for of the actual difficulties they face as a live. It neither attempts to quantify of enforcement and it certainly cannot is very low that a city truly experienced cities who are dedicated to equality—as result of restrictive state law. how respectfully cities enforce encapsulate the lived experience of zero hate crimes of any kind in five An example of restrictive legislation some cities in Virginia, North Carolina, their laws, nor does it try to gauge discrimination that many LGBT people— years. While this is a judgment call it is a Tennessee law that prohibits and Tennessee are—to have that Ameliorating the effect of a the experience of an LGBT person even those living in 100 point cities— is the best measure the MEI has to municipalities from passing non- dedication reflected in their score restrictive state law on the MEI interacting with the police or face every day. determine if hate crimes are being taken discrimination ordinances that affect despite restrictive state law. score would be a dishonest city hall. seriously at the local level. private employees. representation of the protections The MEI can make some limited, Bonus points are offered for testing that the city truly does offer. blunt judgments about the existence A 100-point city, then, may have terrific Because of these types of the limits of these state restrictions, of enforcement, if not its quality. For policies—a well-trained police force, restrictions, not every city has while standard points reflect city example, one of the harder questions a police liaison, and consistent hate the power to enact the types of leadership advocating against the state the MEI faces is evaluating how crimes reporting—but nevertheless be legislation that the MEI measures. restrictions. seriously police departments take an atmosphere in which LGBT people anti-LGBT 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 LGBT people of color or however, the small number of cities does not evaluate whether the report undocumented LGBT 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 crimes, whether detectives competently On the other hand, a police department a 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 respectful police are when making a of an LGBT person’s lived experience in stop, nor how the police decide that city. whom to stop.

The MEI provides avenues for cities that The MEI specifically rates cities on their laws and are dedicated to equality to have that policies; it is not a measure of an LGBT person’s dedication reflected in their score despite lived experience in that city. restrictive state law.

40 HOW IT WORKS hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei HOW IT WORKS 41 What we found

hrc.org/mei AN INTRODUCTION 43 Summary of Results Equality Across America

Particularly Notable Results

The MEI’s top ranking—a 100 point This exciting development happened About two-thirds of 100-point score—was awarded to a record irrespective of the adjustment made cities offered trans-inclusive 47 cities this year, making the score to the scorecard this year regarding health benefits, and this rate was of 100 the most frequent score on marriage equality; the relationship consistent through large, mid- the 2015 MEI. recognition points, which evaluated the size, and small cities. The MEI team presence of marriage or jurisdiction- continues to work with cities to help wide domestic partnership registries, them understand the necessity for were removed from the scorecard as a these benefits as well as their low cost result of the Supreme Court decision in and ease of implementation. Obergefell v. Hodges. Every city that scored 100 points Points related to domestic partner reported hate crimes statistics to the benefits for city employees were also FBI. Again, it is important to emphasize removed for this year, as scores would that while no single criteria on the have been artificially inflated given that MEI is weighted heavily enough to be the existing rating system would have a barrier to scoring 100 points, hate given credit for benefits offered to crimes reporting is the single most same-sex spouses. heavily weighted criteria on the MEI and has been since its inception. We strongly encourage cities to continue offering domestic partner Hate crimes reporting is fundamental benefits to same-sex and different- to good policing, and we simply will not sex partners (for more on this be able to effectively combat anti-LGBT recommendation, see page 30), and violence unless we understand where those will be incorporated into the next and how often it is happening. revision of the MEI scorecard. That is why it is also significant that The shift in the scorecard’s post- 45 of the 47 cities that scored 100 marriage reallocation of points was points either have an LGBT police roughly proportional, and it shifted liaison or conduct LGBT cultural points toward items like non- competency training or both. We discrimination laws and policies, need law enforcement to be educated transgender-inclusive health benefits, about the LGBT community and to and hate crimes reporting. understand the unique relationship that the LGBT community—particularly More cities offered transgender- transgender women of color—has to inclusive health benefits than ever law enforcement. And we need law before, and while no one criteria is enforcement to be able to recognize, enough to keep a city from earning 100 report, and adequately respond to hate points, the number of top-rated cities crimes against the LGBT community. offering trans-inclusive health benefits rose to its highest level as well.

44 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 45 Success Story: Philadelphia, pennsylvania

For decades, Philadelphia has Police Department to train police The City of Philadelphia been on the frontlines of LGBT civil cadets in LGBT competency, demonstrated its commitment to Anatomy of a 100-Point Score rights. Since the first LGBT rights and to coordinate with the police bisexual visibility by proclaiming bill was introduced in the 1980s, department’s LGBT liaison on the September 23, 2015 to be Small Cities thirds of these small cities offering The rate of cities offering their Philadelphia has grown into a city implementation of Directive 152, Bisexual Visibility Day, in honor 10 of the 47 cities scoring 100 trans-inclusive health benefits to city employees trans-inclusive health dedicated to inclusion and equality. an internal police directive on and celebration of our wonderfully points this year had populations of employees. benefits holds steady at about two- Established by Mayor Michael Nutter appropriate interactions between diverse bisexual community. fewer than 100,000 people. Almost thirds, with 17 of the 27 offering such in 2008, the Office of LGBT Affairs police and transgender people. There half of these cities were selected for Mid-Size Cities benefits. Every one of these cities serves as a conduit and advocate for is always room for improvement, but This year also marked the first official rating based on their high percentage 10 cities with populations of between had an LGBT liaison in the police Philadelphia’s LGBT communities we are proud of the work that can trans pride flag raising ceremony, of same-sex couples, about a third 100,000 and 250,000 scored 100 department and every one reported within our government. be accomplished when the lines of where the trans pride flag was were selected because they were home points on the MEI this year. Of these, hate crimes statistics to the FBI. 23 communication are open. proudly flown at Philadelphia City to one of the state’s largest public 9 have some municipal non- of the cities—comprising 85%—had This past November, Philadelphians Hall for the first time in the City’s universities, and most of the remainder discrimination protections with 7 of an openly LGBT elected or high-level voted to amend our City Charter to In other exciting news, LGBT- history. The flag was raised by were chosen because of their size these having more inclusive non- appointed official in city government. make permanent the Office of LGBT identified law enforcement officers children attending Philadelphia’s relative to other cities in the state. discrimination laws at the local level Large cities averaged 95 standard Affairs, recognizing the contributions across the greater Philadelphia Trans Health Conference, and than they do at the state. points and 11 bonus points. of LGBT Philadelphians to our city, region have come together to form Philadelphia will proudly carry on this 9 of the 10 cities had some non- 8 of the 10 cities offer trans-inclusive and ensuring LGBT Philadelphians the Greater Philadelphia Gay Officer tradition for years to come. discrimination protections at the local health benefits to city employees. 9 all top scoring cities have a voice in our government for Action League (GOAL), an LGBT level, with 6 having non-discrimination of the 10 have LGBT liaisons in the Every city scoring 100 points reported decades to come. law enforcement organization. This In honor of LGBT History Month, the ordinances that included sexual police department and 8 received LGBT its hate crime statistics to the FBI, and new chapter of the Philadelphia City also unveiled a newly designed orientation and gender identity in visibility points. The cities averaged 94 91% of the cities scoring 100 had an This year also saw the creation of Police Department’s history rainbow pride flag embroidered with employment, housing, and public standard points and 11 bonus points. LGBT liaison in the police department. the Gotta Go! Guide, an interactive, undoubtedly marks profound the seal of the City of Philadelphia accommodations. 4 of these non- Google Maps-based guide to progress, and the Office of LGBT and the Office of LGBT Affairs. The discrimination ordinances were more Large Cities gender-neutral bathrooms across affairs is proud to support the efforts flag was raised for the first time inclusive of gender identity than the 27 cities with populations of over the city. The purpose of the Gotta of these officers as they support during the 6th annual LGBT rainbow state law. 250,000 scored 100 points. Only 2 of Go! Guide is to help trans and each other. Thanks to their brave flag raising ceremony held on these cities rely on state law for their gender non-conforming folk locate and pioneering efforts, advocates October 6, 2015. Perhaps most interesting, all but one of non-discrimination protections; 25 a bathroom they can use without are no longer fighting alone from these cities received points for LGBT have at least some non-discrimination fear or anxiety of gender policing or the outside, and we will see further It is my distinct honor to stand on visibility, meaning there was an openly protections at the local level with 23 violence. In October, Philadelphia’s progress through these change the shoulders of the pioneering LGBT elected or high-level appointed boasting non-discrimination ordinances City Council unanimously passed agents within. Philadelphians who came before official in the city. The significance of that include sexual orientation and legislation requiring all single-stall me to help organize and energize that connection seems fairly obvious. gender identity in employment, housing, bathrooms in Philadelphia to be In my role as Director of the Office this large scale response, and The cities averaged 92 standard and public accommodations. gender-neutral. All people deserve of LGBT Affairs, I am tasked with to continue to lead Philadelphia points and 11 bonus points, with two to safely access a restroom when elevating the diversity, along with towards true equality for all. Let’s they need one. the unique needs, of the LGBT get stuff done. community. This year, the Office has The Office has also continued to striven to bring increased visibility to Nellie Fitzpatrick work closely with the Philadelphia each of our LGBT communities. Office of LGBT Affairs Director Every city scoring 100 points reported its hate crime statistics to the FBI, and 91% of the There is always room for improvement, cities scoring 100 had an LGBT liaison in but we are proud of the work that the police department. can be accomplished when the lines of communication are open.

46 SUCCESS STORY hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 47 Success Story: Equality North carolina

In a challenging statewide climate for Wake is the largest county in the Success Across America winning crucial non-discrimination state and the capital county. And protections, Equality NC and our our local advocates are just getting Every region of the country boasted Overall, however, city size did not have a local and national partners have started—conversations are underway at least one 100-point score. Cities significant relationship to a city’s score. turned to local municipal work to as well in Wilmington, Winston- in the West, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic effect change for LGBT people in the Salem, and many other towns and and New England regions on average Cities are acting to address Tar Heel state. cities across the state. Equality NC outscored the MEI overall average the challenges facing the LGBT will launch its Municipal Ordinance score of 56 points, while the Mountain, community, and they are in a A local strategy helps win Toolkit for local elected officials Plains, Southeast, and Southwest unique position to continue to crucial protections in housing, and local advocates this November, regions fell short. make important change. Cities employment, and public which will include sample ordinance have incredible power to effect accommodations for our language, proposed timelines, and In the latter regions, the top scorers change in their communities, and the community as well as builds backgrounds on other cities with were large cities while the mid-size and MEI demonstrates that many cities momentum for eventual these protections. small cities tended to score fairly low. continue to take action to ensure statewide legislation from the The higher scoring overall regions had that LGBT people are included in the ground up. We are also excited to continue our more parity, with smaller and mid-size city’s laws, policies, and services. It work to win a historic ordinance cities scoring quite well. The fates of also demonstrates that cities are Just this year we worked with victory in Charlotte, where Equality the regions’ averages rose and fell with well-positioned to move beyond the strong LGBT-ally elected officials NC is working closely with HRC the success of the small cities. (Please major victory for marriage equality this in North Carolina’s third largest and MeckPAC (a local organization) see graph on page 45). year and address the many ongoing city, Greensboro, to enact a first- to pass comprehensive non- challenges that the LGBT community of-its-kind fair housing ordinance discrimination protections in 2016. Cities are acting where continues to face. that includes non-discrimination their states have not protections in both private and Chris Sgro Thirty-one MEI “All-Stars” scored over public housing. It passed council Executive Director 85 points despite the state not having unanimously under the leadership a statewide non-discrimination law of Mayor Nancy Vaughan. We also including sexual orientation or gender worked with the Wake County Board identity as protected characteristics. of Commissioners to update their employment protections to include Cities selected for rating due to their gay and transgender employees. high proportion of same-sex couples did remarkably better than cities as a whole (they averaged 83 points in comparison to the national average of 56 points), and that effect was magnified when the city was also one of the largest cities in the state (average of 94 points). Equality NC and our local and national partners have turned to local municipal work to effect change for LGBT people in Cities are acting to address the challenges the Tar Heel state. facing the LGBT community, and they are in a unique position to continue to make important change.

48 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei SUCCESS STORY 49 Scores Scores

final final bonus pointscors e bonus pointscors e STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points LGBT Community LGBT Community Alabama Auburn 0 0 0 California Corona 60 0 60 Birmingham 9 0 9 Elk Grove 77 0 77 Huntsville 5 0 5 Escondido 60 0 60 Mobile 17 3 20 Fontana 54 0 54 Montgomery 21 0 21 Fremont 82 10 92 Tuscaloosa 18 0 18 Fresno 57 0 57 Fullerton 74 2 76 Alaska Anchorage 75 6 81 Garden Grove 59 0 59 Fairbanks 33 0 33 Glendale 62 0 62 Juneau 14 0 14 Guerneville 82 9 91 (Sonoma County) Ketchikan 3 0 3 Hayward 58 3 61 Sitka 0 0 0 Huntington Beach 59 3 62 Irvine 74 5 79 Arizona Chandler 56 7 63 Lancaster 77 7 84 Gilbert 27 3 30 Long Beach 100 7 100 Glendale 27 2 29 Los Angeles 94 8 100 Mesa 47 3 50 Modesto 59 0 59 Peoria 36 2 38 Moreno Valley 60 0 60 Phoenix 91 16 100 Oakland 68 5 73 Scottsdale 49 2 51 Oceanside 89 8 97 Tempe 91 16 100 Ontario 60 0 60 Tucson 94 14 100 Orange 71 0 71 53 3 56 Arkansas Fayetteville 73 3 76 Oxnard 89 16 100 Fort Smith 18 0 18 Palm Springs 72 0 Jonesboro 18 0 18 Palmdale 72 68 4 72 Little Rock 37 9 46 Pasadena 77 0 North Little Rock 18 0 18 Pomona 77 Rancho 54 0 54 Springdale 18 0 18 Cucamonga Rancho Mirage 82 11 93 California Anaheim 61 0 61 Richmond 72 6 78 Bakersfield 59 0 59 Riverside 65 0 65 Berkeley 79 14 93 Sacramento 70 5 75 Brisbane 42 0 42 Salinas 55 0 55 Cathedral City 91 9 100 San Bernardino 59 3 62 Chula Vista 55 0 55 San Diego 100 14 100 Concord 53 2 55 San Francisco 100 16 100 San Jose 100 6 100

no credit partial minority credit HALF credit partial majority credit full credit no credit partial minority credit HALF credit partial majority credit full credit

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

final final bonus pointscors e bonus pointscors e STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points LGBT Community LGBT Community California Santa Ana 59 0 59 Florida Jacksonville 23 3 26 Santa Clarita 65 0 65 Miami 48 4 52 Santa Rosa 81 5 86 Miami Shores 79 6 85 Signal Hill 83 13 96 Oakland Park 80 6 86 Stockton 81 2 83 Orlando 88 12 100 Sunnyvale 73 0 73 Pembroke Pines 78 3 81 Thousand Oaks 60 0 60 Port Saint Lucie 14 0 14 Torrance 65 0 65 St. Petersburg 94 16 100 Vallejo 70 0 70 Tallahassee 82 6 88 Visalia 50 0 50 Tampa 88 7 95 West Hollywood 95 11 100 Wilton Manors 89 16 100

Colorado Aurora 59 0 59 Georgia Athens 19 0 19 Boulder 73 3 76 Atlanta 100 6 100 Colorado Springs 59 0 59 Augusta-Richmond 12 0 12 Denver 82 8 90 Avondale Estates 39 2 41 Fort Collins 59 2 61 Columbus 37 3 40 Lakewood 60 3 63 Decatur 22 6 28 North Druid Hills 12 0 12 (DeKalb County) Connecticut Bridgeport 51 0 51 Savannah 17 2 19 Hartford 84 7 91 New Britain 57 6 63 Hawaii Hawaii 55 2 57 New Haven 94 5 99 Honolulu 45 2 47 Stamford 86 5 91 Kalawao 36 0 36 Storrs (Mansfield) 54 0 54 Kauai 45 2 47 Waterbury 65 5 70 Maui 56 4 60

Delaware Dover 59 0 59 idaho Boise 61 0 61 Middletown 36 0 36 Idaho Falls 55 0 55 Newark 60 4 64 Meridian 13 0 13 Rehoboth Beach 62 3 65 Nampa 19 0 19 Smyrna 48 0 48 Pocatello 59 0 59 Wilmington 59 0 59

illinois Aurora 65 3 68 Florida Cape Coral 26 0 26 Champaign 72 6 78 Fort Lauderdale 73 7 80 Chicago 100 12 100 Gainesville 65 5 70 Joliet 76 2 78 Hialeah 47 0 47 Naperville 54 0 54 Hollywood 42 0 42

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 pointscors e bonus pointscors e STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points LGBT Community LGBT Community illinois Rockford 62 0 62 LouisIana New Orleans 75 16 91 Springfield 65 3 68 Shreveport 61 3 64 indiana Bloomington 90 10 100 Maine Auburn 54 0 54 Evansville 41 6 47 Augusta 58 3 61 Fort Wayne 41 3 44 Bangor 58 0 58 Hammond 20 3 23 Lewiston 54 0 54 Indianapolis 82 10 92 Orono 48 0 48 South Bend 74 6 80 Portland 73 2 75 West Lafayette 33 3 36 South Portland 60 3 63 iowa Ames 67 3 70 Maryland Annapolis 62 5 67 Cedar Rapids 90 9 99 Baltimore 94 14 100 Davenport 91 14 100 Bowie 54 0 54 Des Moines 79 3 82 College Park 65 6 71 Iowa City 91 14 100 Frederick 59 5 64 Sioux City 75 8 83 Gaithersburg 56 3 59 Waterloo 65 3 68 Rockville 57 3 60 Towson 84 5 89 Kansas Kansas City 24 0 24 Lawrence 66 3 69 Massachusetts Amherst 61 3 64 Manhattan 23 3 26 Boston 100 12 100 Olathe 5 3 8 Cambridge 100 14 100 Overland Park 5 3 8 Lowell 43 2 45 Topeka 24 0 24 Northampton 75 10 85 Wichita 21 0 21 Provincetown 87 10 97 Springfield 53 0 53 kentucky Bowling Green 17 0 17 Worcester 97 13 100 Covington 54 3 57 Frankfort 52 6 58 Michigan Ann Arbor 73 4 77 Lexington 65 8 73 Detroit 99 10 100 Louisville 88 13 100 East Lansing 94 12 100 Owensboro 20 0 20 Ferndale 86 11 97 Grand Rapids 70 6 76 LouisIana Baton Rouge 30 2 32 Lansing 62 10 72 Lafayette 12 0 12 Pleasant Ridge 53 3 56 Lake Charles 6 0 6 Sterling Heights 28 0 28 Metairie 22 4 26 Warren 16 0 16

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 pointscors e bonus pointscors e STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points LGBT Community LGBT Community minnesota Bloomington 59 0 59 nevada Las Vegas 90 11 100 Duluth 68 3 71 North Las Vegas 54 2 56 Minneapolis 100 5 100 Paradise 87 6 93 Rochester 69 0 69 Reno 75 0 75 Saint Cloud 59 0 59 Sparks 45 0 45 Saint Paul 100 5 100 new hampshire Concord 39 0 39 mississippi Biloxi 12 0 12 Derry 45 0 45 Gulfport 12 0 12 Dover 32 0 32 Hattiesburg 6 0 6 Durham 66 2 68 Jackson 14 2 16 Manchester 39 2 41 Oxford 6 0 6 Nashua 27 2 29 Southaven 0 0 0 Plymouth 33 0 33 Starkville 4 0 4 Rochester 39 0 39 missouri Columbia 69 5 74 new jersey Asbury Park 60 3 63 Independence 17 0 17 Elizabeth 59 3 62 Jefferson City 12 0 12 Jersey City 100 10 100 Kansas City 86 14 100 Lambertville 83 5 88 Springfield 23 5 28 Montclair 59 3 62 St. Louis 91 14 100 New Brunswick 65 0 65 Newark 67 0 67 montana Billings 20 0 20 Ocean Grove 62 6 68 Bozeman 68 4 72 Paterson 48 0 48 Butte-Silver Bow 54 0 54 Trenton 65 5 70 Great Falls 12 2 14 Helena 60 0 60 New Mexico Albuquerque 68 7 75 Missoula 95 7 100 Eldorado at 45 0 45 Santa Fe Las Cruces 45 0 45 nebraska Bellevue 18 0 18 Rio Rancho 45 0 45 Grand Island 18 0 18 Roswell 48 0 48 Kearney 18 0 18 Santa Fe 69 7 76 Lincoln 47 7 54 Omaha 65 6 71 New York Albany 84 8 92 Brookhaven 44 0 44 nevada Carson City 63 0 63 Buffalo 84 10 94 Enterprise 87 6 93 New York 91 14 100 Henderson 60 0 60

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 pointscors e bonus pointscors e STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points LGBT Community LGBT Community new york Northwest Harbor 59 3 62 Pennsylvania Allentown 75 7 82 Rochester 95 5 100 Erie 54 3 57 Syracuse 82 10 92 Harrisburg 65 3 68 Yonkers 93 8 100 New Hope 76 8 84 Philadelphia 100 16 100 north carolina Cary 18 0 18 Pittsburgh 81 14 95 Chapel Hill 44 11 55 Reading 55 3 58 Charlotte 50 10 60 State College 70 3 73 (University Park) Durham 47 13 60 Fayetteville 23 0 23 Rhode island Cranston 48 0 48 Greensboro 68 17 85 East Providence 60 0 60 Raleigh 52 8 60 Kingston 48 0 48 Winston-Salem 33 0 33 (South Kingstown) Pawtucket 67 0 67 north dakota Bismarck 17 0 17 Providence 100 10 100 Fargo 41 6 47 Warwick 60 3 63 Grand Forks 57 2 59 Minot 20 0 20 South Carolina Charleston 47 0 47 West Fargo 12 0 12 Clemson 0 0 0 Columbia 73 2 75 Ohio Akron 66 7 73 Mount Pleasant 18 0 18 Cincinnati 97 9 100 North Charleston 41 4 45 Cleveland 73 5 78 Rock Hill 17 0 17 Columbus 100 12 100 Dayton 90 8 98 South dakota Aberdeen 18 0 18 Toledo 70 6 76 Brookings 46 6 52 Pierre 12 0 12 Oklahoma Broken Arrow 12 0 12 Rapid City 17 5 22 Lawton 17 0 17 Sioux Falls 23 5 28 Norman 37 6 43 Vermillion 15 0 15 Oklahoma City 27 2 29 Watertown 18 0 18 Stillwater 12 0 12 Tulsa 32 3 35 tennessee Chattanooga 32 3 35 Clarksville 17 0 17 Oregon Corvallis 54 0 54 Knoxville 31 0 31 Eugene 91 5 96 Memphis 48 8 56 Gresham 36 0 36 Murfreesboro 12 0 12 Hillsboro 48 0 48 Nashville 54 12 66 Portland 95 6 100 Salem 86 3 89

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 pointscors e bonus pointscors e STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points STATE city I. Non-DiscriminationII. Municipality asIII. Employer Services and IV.Programs Law EnforcementV. Relationship withreg ular points LGBT Community LGBT Community texas Amarillo 17 0 17 virginia Alexandria 76 12 88 Arlington 20 2 22 Arlington County 73 14 87 Austin 95 16 100 Chesapeake 18 0 18 Brownsville 14 0 14 Fairfax County 36 7 43 College Station 0 0 0 Hampton 14 0 14 Corpus Christi 23 5 28 Newport News 20 3 23 Dallas 84 18 100 Norfolk 43 14 57 El Paso 44 7 51 Richmond 48 4 52 Fort Worth 86 13 99 Virginia Beach 28 3 31 Garland 12 0 12 Grand Prairie 12 0 12 Washington Bellevue 95 5 100 Houston 39 9 48 Olympia 100 6 100 Irving 0 0 0 Pullman 59 0 59 Killeen 12 0 12 Seattle 100 11 100 Laredo 0 2 2 Spokane 71 0 71 Lubbock 0 0 0 Tacoma 85 14 99 McAllen 18 0 18 Vancouver 62 2 64 McKinney 13 0 13 Vashon 72 7 79 Mesquite 0 0 0 Pasadena 18 0 18 West Virginia Charleston 66 7 73 Plano 75 2 77 Huntington 65 0 65 San Antonio 73 17 90 Morgantown 37 5 42 Waco 23 2 25 Parkersburg 18 0 18 Wheeling 11 3 14 Utah Logan 23 0 23 Orem 40 0 40 Wisconsin Green Bay 42 0 42 Provo 50 0 50 Kenosha 35 3 38 Salt Lake City 67 8 75 Madison 84 16 100 West Jordan 35 2 37 Milwaukee 73 9 82 West Valley City 41 0 41 Racine 38 3 41 vermont Barre 36 0 36 Wyoming Casper 3 0 3 Burlington 83 5 88 Cheyenne 6 0 6 Castleton 49 0 49 Gillette 15 0 15 Essex 54 0 54 Laramie 50 0 50 Montpelier 59 0 59 Rock Springs 3 0 3 Rutland 50 0 50 South Burlington 62 0 62

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 Success Story: self-submit SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Seattle has long been a welcoming I’ve signed legislation requiring all place for everyone, regardless of public places to designate single- Cities Not Rated by the MEI Submit Themselves race, gender, or sexual orientation. stall bathrooms as all-gender. In From the 1970s when we outlawed 2016, our Office for Civil Rights Each year the MEI expands its scope work with cities to submit themselves to We might not be able to include scores housing discrimination based will launch a media campaign to evaluate more cities. We do this by be rated by the MEI. In order to do this, from cities that self-submit in the on sexual orientation, to forming highlighting diversity within Seattle’s adding to our existing city selection city leadership must send to the MEI publication, but we will always provide our first Gay and Lesbian Task Force LGBTQ communities. criteria (more information about our team all of the relevant documentation cities with their own scorecard and in 1985, Seattle’s been a national city selection criteria can be found on needed to justify credit for each MEI support them in working toward LGBT leader. I’m proud of what we’ve page 17), which has allowed us to grow criterion. equality. accomplished so far and look from 137 cities rated in 2012 to 291 Prior to becoming Seattle’s first forward to ensuring Seattle is where in 2013 to 353 cities in 2014 and this In 2015, we had 4 cities successfully gay Mayor, I served in the state gender, identity, sexual orientation year to 408 cities. We will continue to self-submit: San Fernando, CA, West legislature for 18 years—I can speak and race no longer determine one’s increase the number of cities rated as Palm Beach, FL, Salem, MA, and to the tremendous shift seen across ability to earn a living wage, to the publication goes on. Carrboro, NC. By self-submitting, the country recently. Yet, rarely does access quality housing, and to live a these cities have demonstrated their sweeping change happen overnight. safe, healthy life. However, given there are tens of commitment to equality and are sending It’s important we celebrate local thousands of municipalities in this a message to their LGBT citizens that victories as we advance toward our Ed Murray country, cities may wish to receive a they are a welcome and important part ultimate goal of equity for all. Mayor rating even though the MEI may not be of the community. rating them. Therefore, we are happy to I’m deeply committed to achieving equity in Seattle. I’ve launched an initiative to address hate crimes against LGBTQ community members and made ending LGBTQ youth homelessness a priority.

By self-submitting, cities demonstrate their commitment to equality and send a message to their LGBT citizens that they are a welcome and important part of the community.

Rarely does sweeping change happen overnight. It’s important we celebrate local victories as we advance toward our ultimate goal of equity for all.

62 SUCCESS STORY hrc.org/mei hrc.org/mei WHAT WE FOUND 63 acknowledgements

About the Author Acknowledgements Equality Federation The Municipal Equality Index would not have been possible without the valuable Cathryn Oakley is Senior Legislative The MEI would not be what it is without Institute contributions made by state and local advocates. A particular thanks therefore goes Counsel at the Human Rights the contributions of several people Last, but not least, we thank our Campaign. In addition to managing the whose work ensured this project would partners at the Equality Federation out to the following: development and publication of the be possible, exciting and robust. First state groups and the national Municipal Equality Index, she advises and foremost, HRC’s Legal Director Equality Federation Institute. state and local legislators enacting Sarah Warbelow has continued to laws that further LGBT equality. Oakley provide clarity, direction, and vision The achievements we celebrate in this is a member of the Virginia bar and to the MEI. Her leadership has been publication are often theirs, and the practiced family law before joining the fundamental to the MEI’s success and MEI is undoubtedly enriched by the Alaskans Together Human Rights Campaign. She is a many of its best ideas are attributable assistance of the state groups who take for Equality graduate of George Mason University to her. time out of their extraordinarily busy School of Law and Smith College. schedules to help ensure our data is Liz Halloran was invaluable in crafting complete and correct. We recognize the About the MEI TEAM a successful launch of the MEI and state groups that have been particularly Xavier Persad serves as Legislative bringing this story of municipal equality helpful on the following page. A very Counsel at the Human Rights to every corner of America where it special thanks goes out to Kim Welter, Campaign. He focuses on state and belongs. Kristen Hildreth stepped Chris Sgro, Catherine Alonzo, and Nate municipal law and policy, and assists up to get this year’s MEI in motion Rhoton for sharing their adventures in with the annual Municipal Equality and provided critical support. Our municipal equality in this edition of the Index. Persad obtained his Master of law fellows and interns provided MEI, to Chris Hartman who shared his Laws degree from the London School invaluable research and assistance. expertise with us, and to Andy Garcia of Economics and Political Science Bob Villaflor helped us deliver another for his partnership at a national level. and his law degree from Florida A&M beautiful publication and on-time We couldn’t do this without you. University College of Law. He is a launch. member of the Florida bar. The General Design Company helped C. Kutney joins our team this year the MEI team (and our readers) see as State and Municipal Program municipal equality in a visually striking Manager, managing both the Municipal and compelling way, and we appreciate Equality Index and the State Equality the long hours and cheerful problem- Index which assesses state policy and solving of Soung Wiser and Caroline law impacting the LGBT community. Brickell. Kutney is a graduate of the University at Albany in Albany, NY and brings professionalism, creativity, and a thoughtful approach to both publications.

For questions or additional information, please contact [email protected].

64 WHAT WE FOUND hrc.org/mei spine is 1/4” adjust as needed

1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20036-3278

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