TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- When it comes to equal rights and protections for those among the gay community, Leon County ranks among the top of the list in the state of Florida.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation released their latest survey Tuesday, ranking communities across the United States, including 15 cities within Florida. Leon County/Tallahassee ranked third on the list, behind Oakland Park and Tampa. (full ranking below).
The nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization rated 291 cities across the nation based on six categories:
Non-discrimination laws;
Relationship recognition;
Municipality's employment and contracting policies;
Inclusiveness of city services;
Law enforcement;
and Municipal leadership on matters of equality.
The average score for cities in Florida is 58 out of 100 points which falls above the national average.
FLORIDA RANKINGS
1. Tampa (Score: 89) Full Report
2. Oakland Park (Score: 85) Full Report
3. Tallahassee (Score: 84) Full Report
4. Wilton Manors (Score: 82) Full Report
5. Orlando (Score: 79) Full Report
6. Fort Lauderdale (score 77) Full Report
7. Miami (Score: 67) Full Report
8. St. Petersburg (Score: 66) Full Report
9. Hialeah (Score: 58) Full Report
10. Miami Shores (Score: 56) Full Report
11. Hollywood (Score: 54) Full Report
12. Pembroke Pines (Score: 43) Full Report
13. Jacksonville (Score: 25) Full Report
14. Cape Coral (Score: 10) Full Report
15. Port Saint Lucie (Score: 0) Full Report
"Change is possible everywhere, and the Municipal Equality Index showcases the monumental progress we've made. In cities and towns across America, advocates are telling their stories, organizing their friends, and changing the hearts and minds of our policymakers and neighbors," said Rebecca Isaacs, executive director of Equality Federation. "We're winning equality where it matters most -- in the communities we call home."
After gaining the support of the full Leon County Commission, a measure, proposed by Commissioner Mary Ann Lindley, was passed to open a domestic partnership registry on May 1, 2013.
