Dayton Named “All-Star City” for LGBT Rights

Release Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Contact: Kery Gray, Executive Assistant to the City Commission, 937-333-3636

Dayton is an “All-Star City” for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)rights, according a special report released today by the Human Rights Campaign(HRC), the nation’s largest LGBT advocacy organization.

HRC’s Municipal Equality Index scored Dayton at 95 of 100 possible points. Thescore acknowledges Dayton’s anti-discrimination ordinance, inclusive employmentpolicies, recognition of relationships, law enforcement practices, municipal servicesand other factors, including the appointment of a community liaison by Mayor NanWhaley in 2014.

“I am proud that Dayton welcomes the LGBT community,” Mayor Whaley said.”Everyone can find a place to thrive in Dayton. We are a patchwork of manycultures, generations, races, genders and experiences. That combination of ideas andexperiences is part of what makes Dayton a diverse and strong community.”

The full report and Dayton’s scorecard are online at hrc.org/mei.

The Municipal Equality Index evaluated 353 cities of varying sizes. Dayton wasincluded in the annual ranking for the first time this year, following expansion ofthe number of cities evaluated.

Dayton ranked third among six Ohio cities scored, following Columbus and Cincinnati and above Cleveland, Akron and Toledo.

The report noted that three Ohio cities (Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus) earnedhigh equality scores even though Ohio generally lacks inclusive laws and policiessupporting equality.