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.