Richmond Scores Perfect 100 On HRC Equality Index

Richmond has received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. This ranking shows how inclusive a city’s laws, policies and services are of LGBTQ people who live and work there.

Rankings are based on items such as non-discrimination laws, employment policies, and city leadership. According to the Human Rights Campaign, ranking municipalities is a way to ensure all city residents, workers, and visitors are protected from discrimination and can fuel economic growth. “A demonstrated commitment to equality through laws and policies that protect everyone, including LGBTQ people, sends a clear message that all residents, visitors, workers, and businesses are welcome and valued,” the report says.

Two years ago, Richmond doubled its score and received recognition as the city with the largest increase in ranking year-over-year. In 2017, Richmond scored 42 and, in 2018, it scored 94.

According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the city closed the gap by adopting nondiscriminatory policies for its contractors.

“Our shared priority has been making Richmond a better place where you can live up to your God-given potential regardless of who you pray to, where you come from, how you identify or who you love. This is an affirmation of our progress as a community,” Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney told the Times-Dispatch.

To download a copy of the 2020 Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index, click here.