Pennsylvania All Stars: Allentown, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College Lead the Way in LGBTQ Equality

Allentown, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College are shining examples of cities leading the way on LGBTQ inclusion in a difficult state according to a new report from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation

WASHINGTON - Otober 8, 2018 -- At a time when many states have failed to pass LGBTQ-inclusive laws and policies, cities are stepping up to ensure that all citizens are treated equally, according to a report issued today by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization.

HRC's 2018 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) shows that around the country cities are fueling momentum for LGBTQ equality -- and often are doing so in states that still don't have LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination laws at the state level.

In Pennsylvania, Allentown, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College earned over 85 points on the 2018 MEI despite hailing from a state without LGBTQ-inclusive statewide non-discrimination laws. Across the country, 46 cities like these set a standard of LGBTQ inclusiveness with exemplary, best-practice policies such as local non-discrimination laws, providing transgender-inclusive health benefits for city employees and offering LGBTQ-inclusive city services.

Shining like beacons of hope, Allentown, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College earned one of HRC's 46 MEI "All Star" designations. MEI All Stars are cities nationwide that are excelling by advancing LGBTQ equality without relying on state law. This year,  Allentown earned a score of 100, Philadelphia earned a score of 100, Pittsburgh earned a score of 100 and State College earned a score of 98.

The average score for cities in Pennsylvania is 83 out of 100 points, which falls above the national average of 58.

"From San Antonio, Texas to Brookings, South Dakota -- this year's MEI again proves that there are no barriers to municipal LGBTQ equality for a city with dedicated, pro-equality elected officials," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "Forward-looking leaders across the U.S. are stepping up, protecting their youth from so-called 'conversion therapy,' increasing anti-bullying protections, ensuring transgender city employees have access to inclusive health care benefits and protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination in all areas of life. As we approach one of the most critical elections of our lifetimes, it is incumbent on all of us to make sure that we help elect more leaders across the nation who share this uncompromising commitment to equality for all."

"In this political moment, as we face unprecedented challenges to fairness, justice, and democracy at the federal level, we look to local leadership to advance equality for the LGBTQ community," said Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of the Equality Federation Institute. "Equality Federation is committed to our partnership with HRC on the Municipal Equality Index because it sets a bar that most localities want to reach."

Since the MEI's debut in 2012, the number of cities earning perfect scores has increased by more than sevenfold, and today at least 25 million people live in cities that have more comprehensive, transgender-inclusive non-discrimination laws than their state.

Progress on transgender equality has been particularly noteworthy in cities across the U.S. this year, continuing a positive trend that the MEI has tracked -- and encouraged -- since 2012. Transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits are offered to employees of 147 municipalities this year -- up from 111 in 2017, 66 in 2015 and just five in 2012. The MEI's Issue Brief on Transgender-Inclusive Health Benefits is available here.

Other key findings from the 2018 Municipal Equality Index include:

The MEI rated 506 cities including the 50 state capitals, the 200 largest cities in the United States, the five largest cities or municipalities in each state, the cities home to the state's two largest public universities, 75 municipalities that have high proportions of same-sex couples and 98 cities selected by HRC and Equality Federation state group members and supporters. It assesses each city on 49 criteria covering citywide nondiscrimination protections, policies for municipal employees, city services, law enforcement, and city leadership's relationship with the LGBTQ community. This year's report also includes two new issue briefs for policymakers: Addressing the Unique Needs of LGBTQ Older People and Working Toward a Fully-Inclusive Municipal Workplace.

The full report, including detailed scorecards for every city, as well as a searchable database, is available online at www.hrc.org/mei.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

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