The Human Rights Campaign, which strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, has released its “Municipal Equality Index,” which measures criteria related to a city’s equality practices.
This year’s index rated 506 cities nationwide, including eight in Kentucky, with Covington ranking third out of the eight in Kentucky.
Lexington, Covington and Louisville all scored 100 or greater, with Lexington leading the way at 110, Louisville coming in second with 102, and Covington taking third place with 100 points. The total number of possible points is 122.
The criteria for points are based on:
- Non-discrimination laws
- Municipality as employer
- Municipal services
- Law enforcement
- Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality
There are core measures under each section, such as non-discrimination in city employment, and flex measures, such as city employee domestic partner benefits. Covington’s full report can be viewed here.
The only other city in the Greater Cincinnati Area that was ranked was Cincinnati, which also scored 100.