Columbus Earns Perfect Score on HRC Equality Index

For Immediate Release                                           

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Contact:              Dan Williamson, Mayor’s Office

                              John Ivanic, City Council

                              Paul Guequierre, HRC,

Columbus Earns Perfect Score on Equality Index

According to a new report by the Human Rights Campaign, the City of Columbus has achieved a perfect score in terms of treating its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents with dignity and respect. HRC today released its new Municipal Equality Index, a rating system of LBGT inclusion in municipal law. One year after receiving a score of 83 percent in the most recent Municipal Equality Index, Columbus this year was one of 25 U.S. municipalities to score 100 percent.

“Our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents provide leadership, creativity and ingenuity to make Columbus great,” Mayor Michael B. Coleman said. “Protecting their rights and fighting for their equality is the least we can do.”

HRC surveyed 291 cities of varying sizes. HRC’s Municipal Equality Index is based on 47 criteria falling under six broad categories:

·        Nondiscrimination laws

·        Relationship recognition

·        Municipality’s employment and contracting policies

·        Inclusiveness of city services

·        Law enforcement,

·        Municipal leadership on matters of equality

“Columbus has long been recognized as one of the most open and inclusive cities in the nation,” said Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “Our HRC MEI score confirms this, and I look forward to the day when all cities in Ohio and across the country welcome the LGBT community as proudly as Columbus has.”

Columbus’ score was tops among Ohio cities, including Cincinnati (90 percent), Cleveland (83 percent), Toledo (70 percent) and Akron (48 percent).

“Columbus’ hard work to raise the city’s score from 83 points last year to 100 points this year shows its dedication to ensuring that LGBT citizens are treated equally,” said Cathryn M. Oakley, HRC’s legislative counsel for state and municipal advocacy.  “As a leader in Ohio and the region, Columbus demonstrates how much can be accomplished by a city who is dedicated to equality”.

_ _ _