Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization released its 14th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality regarding municipal policies, laws, and services.
506 cities across the nation were scored, including eight in Ohio.
Four of those Ohio municipalities received perfect scores, which is down from six in 2024. 64 cities in the U.S. were called “All-Star Cities” — including every Ohio city that is in the report — because they scored at least 85 points despite hailing from a state without statewide non-discrimination statutes that explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity:
- Akron: 100
- Cincinnati: 100
- Cleveland: 95
- Columbus: 100
- Dayton: 97
- Dublin: 90
- Lakewood: 100
- Toledo: 85
The average score for cities in Ohio is 96 out of 100 points. That average lands above the national average of 70, which is down from last year’s average of 72 because of cities capitulating to state and federal threats to suspend funding if they engage in what the government calls “diversity, equity and inclusion” work.
With politicians embracing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment at all levels of government, municipalities are “stepping up and embracing inclusion and equality,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the HRC. The index and the work of city leaders “have never been more critical.”
“For years now, state legislatures – and now Congress and the President – are waging a calculated campaign to erase LGBTQ+ people from public life and the cities that wish to welcome them,” Robinson said in a press release. “But there are still more of us who support equality than those who do not – and I commend each and every city that fought against tall odds to show their continued support of our community.”
No rural Ohio municipalities were included in the HRC’s report despite cities like Athens and Lorain passing resolutions in favor of gender-affirming care and bans on inflicting conversion therapy on minors. Municipalities can request to be included on the index
In past years, Cleveland leaders have touted the city’s perfect score, including promoting the score on a marketing website for the city’s economic development. The HRC scored Cleveland lower due to the lack of an LGBTQ+ liaison or task force in the Cleveland Police Department. The organization also gave the city points for having out elected officials, though that is no longer the case as of the last November election.
Despite Cleveland and Toledo’s drop, the HRC found that, nationally, a record number of 132 cities received a perfect score of 100 compared to 130 cities in 2024.
The report also contains issue briefs that covers why slow progress is still important, scoring methodology and a toolkit for mayors on how to best protect and support their LGBTQ+ residents. 🔥
IGNITE ACTION
- To learn more about the Municipal Equality Index, click here.
- Municipalities can request to be included on the index by submitting a form here.
Know an LGBTQ+ Ohio story we should cover? TELL US!
Submit a story!
