Dayton again earns highest possible score on LGBTQ inclusion

For the fourth consecutive year, Dayton has received the highest possible score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) of policies and practices supporting equality on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

 

The 2020 MEI rates 506 cities on 49 criteria covering non-discrimination protections, municipal employment, city services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ equality.

 

Among the areas for which Dayton earned maximum scores were non-discrimination laws (employment, housing, public accommodation, and a ban on youth conversion therapy) and law enforcement practices.

 

"Cities are demonstrating leadership and commitment to equality and inclusion, even when states and the federal government are absent and sometimes even hostile to these causes," said Mayor Nan Whaley. "Dayton remains at the forefront of efforts to ensure equality for all residents."

 

"The LGBTQ community is essential to Dayton's ongoing revitalization and reinvention," added City Manager Shelley Dickstein. "The City of Dayton is proud to support inclusion and opportunity through our policies and practices."

 

The MEI is the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ equality regarding municipal policy, law and services. This year, a record-breaking 94 cities earned the highest score. The full report and Dayton's scorecard are online at hrc.org/mei.