New York City named one of the most gay-friendly US cities
New York is the one of the most gay-friendly cities in the United States for the fourth year in a row, a new report has found.
Released on December 17, the Human Rights Campaign Annual Report gave the Big Apple a perfect score of 100 points in criteria that measured LGBT inclusivity across legislation, policy and services, reports AM New York.
The Municipal Equality Index ranked a total of 408 cities from every state across the United States. Other cities to take out a perfect score included San Francisco, San Diago, Altanta, Boston and Detroit.
Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said while 2015 had been a “historic year for equality”, there were constant reminders of “just how far we still have to go”.
“In too many communities, LGBT Americans continue to face barriers to equality, overt discrimination, and even violence,” he said.
“We believe those challenges make full equality and strong legal protections all the more important, and today’s report makes clear that hundreds of local communities throughout all 50 states wholeheartedly agree.”
Griffin added cities and towns across the country were not waiting for American leaders to step forward with issues of equality. “Instead, these municipalities are taking action now to improve the lives of countless LGBT Americans.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he was proud “to carry the torch for equality.”
“New York City has long been home to the country’s largest and most diverse population, and we’re proud our city’s policies continue to reflect the equality that LGBT communities fought so tirelessly for,” he said.
“The city will continue to work toward equality for all people who call this great city home, because we know the fight is far from over.”
New York City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer also expressed his support for the report’s findings.
“I am proud to be one of six openly gay members of the New York City Council and proud to fight for real equality for all,” he said.
“New York City has long been a beacon to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities around the nation.
“At a time when basic civil rights ordinances are under threat in other major American cities, New York City continues its tradition of not just defending the rights of its LGBT residents but ensuring that city services are inclusive of each community’s distinct needs.”
With 1.5 million members and supporters across the United States, Human Rights Campaign is the largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organisation of its kind.