For seven years out of the last eight, the City of Akron has earned a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI).
The HRC’s Municipality Equality Index examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are in cities and towns across the country. It provides a public snapshot of how committed a given city or town is to LGBTQ+ equality. It also provides a framework of important steps municipalities can take to protect their LGBTQ+ residents and staff.
The city began participating in the index in 2015 — view Akron’s scorecard here and below this story.
Akron has also been named an “All-Star City” by the Human Rights Campaign for earning more than 85 points, despite the state of Ohio lacking non-discrimination statutes that explicitly protect sexual orientation and gender identity.
“At a time when there are near constant attacks against members of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s vital that we take a stand in support of our LGBTQ+ residents and employees,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik in a news release. “Here in Akron, we will continue to proudly support our LGBTQ+ residents and employees and be a welcoming community for all.”
In the equality index, the City of Akron earned points for:
- The city’s non-discrimination laws.
- Bonus points for protecting minors from conversion therapy.
- Having a non-discrimination clause for employment.
- Offering transgender inclusive healthcare benefits.
- Being an inclusive workplace.
- Offering domestic partner benefits.
The Akron Police Department earned the city points for:
- Having an LGBTQ+ liaison.
- Reporting hate crime statistics to the FBI.
The mayor’s office also earned points for “his public position on LGBTQ+ equality and pro-equality legislative efforts.”
