A nationwide assessment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) equality based on municipal policies, laws and services has given Austin a maximum 100-point rating.
The top marks were handed to the city by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the national LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, in partnership with The Equality Federation.
Their report, the 10th annual Municipal Equality Index, rates cities on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality, with a view to establishing how inclusive cities are for the LGBTQ+ people who live and work there.
Austin has now received a score of 100 for nine years in a row, starting in 2013.
Download Austin’s 2021 Municipal Equality Scorecard HERE.
"We are proud Austin has been recognized again as one of the most inclusive cities in the country for LGBTQ+ communities," said Carol Johnson, Civil Rights Officer for the City of Austin. "The work continues to ensure we address disparities and improve the quality of life of all our LGBTQIA+ residents."
JoDee Winterhof, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs, said: "Local leaders have continued to move the needle of progress forward, and by doing so, they have spurred economic growth by signaling to residents, visitors and employers that their city is open to everyone."
The national city score average increased to an all-time high of 67 points, up from 64 last year and representing the highest year-over-year national average growth ever. Cities around the country saw progress, with every region of the country seeing a higher average score than last year.
The full report, including detailed scorecards for every city, as well as a searchable database, is available online at www.hrc.org/mei.
