| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL ALERT For Immediate Release: November 28, 2012 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
City of Columbus Recognized as National and State Leader for Equality
(Columbus)—The City of Columbus is once again being recognized as a national and state leader in equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. A newly released, first of its kind national survey of American cities finds that Columbus ranks highest among Ohio cities in inclusion, protection, and LGBT-friendly policies in municipal laws.
“Columbus is a special place to live and work because our residents value everyone in our community,” said City Council President Andrew J. Ginther. “City Council has worked with Mayor Coleman and the LGBT community to make Columbus as inclusive as possible.”
According to the release, the Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a joint study by the Human Rights Campaign, Equality Federation Institute, and the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute, creates “a snapshot of LGBT equality in 137 municipalities of varying sizes drawn from every state in the nation.” Columbus scored the highest of Ohio’s largest cities, scoring 83 points on the MEI compared to 77 points for both Cincinnati and Cleveland. The MEI rates cities based on 47 criteria falling under six broad categories:
- Non-discrimination laws;
- Relationship recognition;
- The municipality’s employment practices;
- Inclusiveness of city services;
- Law enforcement; and
- Municipal leadership.
“Eighty-three points on the MEI is a terrific score, and what is truly impressive is that Columbus picked up all possible 18 points for non-discrimination laws,” said Cathryn Oakley, Legislative Counsel, State and Municipal Advocacy for the HRC. “Communities normally receive points based on state, county, and local initiatives. But in Columbus’ case, thanks to their ongoing efforts to make the city welcoming to all people, they were able to pick up the maximum points on their own, without the help of the state or county.”
In the past few years, the Columbus City Council has passed significant legislation to improve the quality of life for all residents, including those in the LGBT community. Some of these code changes and ordinances strengthen the family, such as when City Council approved the extension of employee benefits to certain eligible dependents, including unmarried couples. Others promote a more inviting business climate in Columbus by creating a Domestic Partner Registry to allow unmarried couples regardless of sexual orientation to formally register their relationship, removing the administrative burden on businesses and public institutions to define and certify the existence a relationship.
“The support that our elected officials and residents of Columbus have given to our LGBT community goes beyond legislation,” said Karla Rothan, Executive Director, Stonewall Columbus. “For over thirty years Stonewall Columbus has looked to our city as a partner in building the first and only LGBT community center in Central Ohio. Columbus is one of the best cities for an LGBT person to live in because our fair-minded City Council and Mayor Coleman have stood by us to help educate our residents and create an awareness that allows us all to live openly and without fear. This inclusiveness brings our community out of the shadows and allows us to contribute our unique talents, helping to make Columbus one of the greatest, most diverse cities in the world.”
Click here to view Equality Ohio’s news release on the MEI.
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JOHN IVANIC
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
_____________________________________________________
90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Direct: 614-645-6798
Cell: 614-701-1411
