Human Rights Campaign grades Georgia cities for LGBTQ+ inclusion. How did Columbus rank?
June is Pride Month and celebrations are still going strong all across the country.
There are several states and cities that have policies and protections in place for LGBTQ+ residents. If you’re curious how they stack up in Georgia, we’ve got you covered.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released their 2021 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which scores cities on a variety of factors, from public support of LGBT inclusion to law enforcement policies to transgender healthcare and more.
The 2022 scores are set to be released in the fall.
Atlanta
According to the MEI, Atlanta scored very high, receiving a 100/100. Here’s why:
Section 1 of the MEI evaluates non-discrimination laws within the city, noting that discrimination is prohibited by the city, county, or state in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations. Atlanta received a 30/30 in this category.
Section 2, Municipality as Employer, looks at non-discrimination in city employment, transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits, non-discrimination ordinances and inclusive workplaces. Atlanta got a 28/28 here.
Section 3, Municipal Services, looks into “the efforts of the city to ensure LGBTQ+ residents are included in city services and programs.” Atlanta got a 12/12 for Section 3.
Section 4, Law Enforcement, evaluates the city’s fair use of the law when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, such as reporting hate crimes and engaging with the LGBTQ+ community in an appropriate manner. Atlanta received a 22/22 for this category.
Last but not least is Section 5, Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality, or the city’s efforts to fully include LGBTQ+ members in the community. Atlanta got an 8/8 in this section, bringing the city to a perfect score for the HRC’s index.
Columbus
Columbus, scored 58 out of 100.
In non-discrimination laws within the city, Columbus received a 0/30; a 22/28 in Municipality as Employer; a 5/12 in Municipal Services and a 7/8 in Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality. Section 4, Law Enforcement, is the only Section in which Columbus received a perfect score, sitting at a 22/22.
The rest of GA
Here’s how other cities in Georgia did on HRC’s index:
Athens-Clarke: 68/100
Augusta-Richmond: 28/100
Avondale Estates: 18/100
Decatur: 86/100
North Druid Hills: 7/100
Roswell: 5/100
Sandy Springs: 33/100
Savannah: 80/100
