The Human Rights Campaign released the 2022 Municipal Equality Index, and Louisville is on the list. How did we score?
Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index which takes a deep dive into municipal laws, policies, and services and how inclusive they are of LGBTQ+ people. This year’s edition examined 506 cities on 49 different criteria across five categories — Louisville earned a score of 100 out of 100. A perfect score.
Non-discrimination laws
This category looks at whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. Louisville achieved a 30 out of 30 for our laws across the state, county, and municipality, and received bonus points for as the municipality has protections for youths against conversion therapy.
Municipality as employer
Cities can achieve points for inclusive employment policies like trans-inclusive healthcare policies and non-discrimination in city employment. Louisville got a 26 out of 28, but earned bonus points for city employee domestic partner benefits.
Services and programs
This section considers the city’s efforts to include LGBTQ+ folks in city services and programs. Louisville scored 7 out of 12, but got bonus points for services to LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness and those living with AIDS or HIV.
Law enforcement
Looking at the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community, Louisville earned 22 out of 22.
Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality
This section looks at city leadership’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. Louisville got an 8 out of 8, and earned bonus points for having openly LGBTQ+ elected or appointed leaders.
Where we can improve
Even a perfect score doesn’t mean a perfect city. Louisville earned its perfect score with bonus points and would achieve a higher score from the HRC with a few efforts. For example, the city could provide services to the transgender community and the county could have a human rights commission.