Orlando tops list of Florida cities ranked high in LGBT protections

Orlando tops list of Florida cities ranked high in LGBT protections

Orlando tops a list of Florida cities ranked by how well their gay and transgender residents are legally protected.

The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) is the first national rating system of LGBT inclusion in municipal law, compiled by the Human Rights Campaign in collaboration with state organizers, the Equality Federation and the Victory Fund with analysis by Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith.

“As cities compete for jobs and talent, their commitment to equality and fairness are increasingly deciding factors,” said Smith in a media release. “This equality report card is a great way to let cities know what it takes to lead and what they risk by falling behind.”

The MEI rates cities based on 47 criteria falling under six broad categories: Non-discrimination laws, relationship recognition, municipality employment practices, inclusiveness of city services, law enforcement and municipal leadership.

The average score for Florida cities is 52 out of 100 points. Orlando scored 77 out of 100, with perfect scores non-discrimination laws, relationship recognition and municipality’s relationship with the LGBT community.

Rounding out the top 3 cities are Miami, which scored 72 out of 100 points, and Tampa with a score of 66.

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