A new survey gives Columbus and several other Ohio cities top marks for gay friendly policies.
The Human Rights Campaign's annual Municipal Equality Index rated over 400 US cities in five categories, including employment policies, non-discrimination laws, and inclusiveness of city services. Columbus and Cincinnati were among 47 cities nationwide that earned a perfect score, and Cincinnati drew praise for being the first city in the country to ban so-called conversion therapy for minors. The six cities surveyed in Ohio averaged 87 out of 100, well above the nationwide average of 56. But Equality Ohio communications director Grant Stancliff says lack of a statewide non-discrimination statute is still a problem.
"18% of Ohioans live in areas with protections. Which means 82% of Ohioans don't. It's a real shame that some people might feel like they would have to move just to feel safe, and feel like they can go to work without harassment or discrimination, but the fact is that in Ohio right now it is like that."
Results of the annual Municipal Equality Index is available at www.hrc.org/mei.
