Municipal Equality Index 2016: All-Star Cities

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At a time when many states have failed to extend LGBTQ-inclusive laws and policies, cities are stepping up to ensure that all citizens are treated equally. HRC Foundation's Municipal Equality Index, released this week in partnership with Equality Federation, shows that around the country cities are fueling momentum for LGBTQ equality -- and often are doing so in states that still don't have LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination laws at the state level.

Across the country, 37 cities earned at least 85 points on the 2016 MEI despite hailing from a state without LGBTQ-inclusive statewide non-discrimination laws. These cities, dubbed "All-Star Cities," set a standard of LGBTQ inclusiveness with exemplary, best-practice policies such as local non-discrimination laws, providing transgender-inclusive health benefits for city employees, and offering LGBTQ-inclusive city services. Due to the state-level restrictions, it would be impossible for these cities to earn a 100 rating without the help of bonus points.

These 37 cities are located in 13 states. With 8, Florida has the most number of All-Star Cities. What's more, 3 of those cities - Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Wilton Manors - earned 100 ratings.

The entire list of All-Star Cities:

    Phoenix, Arizona
    Tempe, Arizona
    Tucson, Arizona
    Gainesville, Florida
    Miami Shores, Florida
    Oakland Park, Florida
    Orlando, Florida
    St. Petersburg, Florida
    Tallahassee, Florida
    Tampa, Florida
    Wilton Manors, Florida
    Atlanta, Georgia
    Bloomington, Indiana
    Indianapolis, Indiana
    New Orleans, Louisiana
    Louisville, Kentucky
    Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Detroit, Michigan
    East Lansing, Michigan
    Ferndale, Michigan
    Columbia, Missouri
    Kansas City, Missouri
    St. Louis, Missouri
    Missoula, Montana
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Columbus, Ohio
    Dayton, Ohio
    Toledo, Ohio
    Allentown, Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    Austin, Texas
    Dallas, Texas
    Fort Worth, Texas
    San Antonio, Texas
    Alexandria, Virginia
    Arlington, Virginia

Learn more at hrc.org/mei.