Nine cities in Florida, including three cities from the Central Florida area, have ranked above average for their LGBTQ equality, according to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
- 9 Florida cities rank above average for LGBTQ equality
- Orlando, St. Petersburg, Tampa among the 9 cities
Human Rights Campaign's 2017 Municipal Equality Index shows that around the country cities are stepping up to ensure that all citizens are treated equally -- and often are doing so in states that still don’t have LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination laws at the state level.
In Florida, nine cities earned over 85 points on the 2017 MEI despite hailing from a state without LGBTQ-inclusive statewide non-discrimination laws. The average score for cities in Florida is 75 out of 100 points, which falls above the national average of 57.
“This year’s MEI paints a vivid picture: cities big and small, in red and blue states alike, are continuing our progress toward full equality, regardless of the political drama unfolding in Washington, D.C., and in state legislatures across the country,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.
Shining like beacons of hope, the nine Florida cities earned one of HRC’s 41 MEI “All Star” designations. MEI All Stars are cities nationwide that are excelling by advancing LGBTQ equality without relying on state law.
“At a moment when even our most basic rights are under attack, it has never been more important to shine a spotlight on inclusive local policies,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “So many of Florida's cities have stepped up to protect and defend LGBTQ equality and I am proud of the progress made towards full equality for all Floridians."
The cities that ranked above average are:
Orlando - 100
St. Petersburg - 100
Tallahassee - 100
Wilton Manors - 100
Gainesville - 99
Oakland Park - 99
Miami Shores - 91
Fort Lauderdale - 87
Tampa - 86