Dayton earns top score on lesbian, gay rights index

The city of Dayton said it achieved a “nearly perfect score on a nationwide index of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights,” based on a report released by the Human Rights Campaign, a national advocacy organization.

The city said the campaign’s Municipal Equality Index scored Dayton at 98 of 100 possible points, a three-point increase over last year’s score.

“The score acknowledges Dayton’s anti-discrimination ordinance, inclusive employment policies, recognition of relationships, law enforcement practices, municipal services and other factors,” the city said.

Dayton ranked third among six Ohio cities scored, slightly below Cincinnati and Columbus, but well above Cleveland, Toledo and Akron, the city said.

Mayor Nan Whaley welcomed the news, saying, “We want to work toward increasing the city’s score to a perfect 100. Dayton is a place where all communities are welcome to thrive and contribute.”

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