3 Arizona cities receive perfect score in LGBTQ equality index

Nov 21, 2019, 2:00 PM

(Pixabay Photo)

KTAR.com

PHOENIX — Three Arizona cities received a perfect score on this year’s Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson were among 88 cities to receive a score of 100 after being evaluated on 49 criteria in the report released this week.

The index, which looks at how inclusive a city’s laws, policies and services are for LGBTQ residents, included 506 municipalities.

Cities received points for policies including nondiscrimination laws and transgender-inclusive health benefits.

They could also receive bonus points for criteria such as having services for LGBTQ youth, openly LGBTQ elected officials and domestic partner health benefits.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego marked the city’s seventh straight year of a perfect score Tuesday.

.@MayorGallego announcing @CityofPhoenixAZ scored a 100% on this year’s LGBTQ Municipal Equality Score from the Human Rights Coalition. @DebraStarkPHX, @Pastor4Council, and @MayorGallego call on @dougducey to provide statewide protection for LGBTQ members. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/7IZ1JKNjdU

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) November 19, 2019

“Phoenix'(s) perfect score is a testament to the values and principles that make our city a welcoming place to live, work and play,” she said in a press release.

“Cities must continue to be the guardians of LGBTQ protections until state and federal antidiscrimination laws are expanded to defend all LGBTQ individuals.”

It is with great #PRIDE that we can announce @CityofPhoenixAZ received a perfect 💯 on our 2019 @HRC LGBTQ Municipal Equality Index score. This marks the 7th year of a perfect score for PHX. We accept and support everyone. Thanks to @1n10 for hosting! #LoveIsLove🏳️‍🌈 pic.twitter.com/LhX68QN1C5

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) November 19, 2019