The Human Rights Campaign released the 2023 Municipal Equality Index, and Kansas City is on the list. How did we score?
Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index which takes a deep dive into municipal laws, policies, and services + how inclusive they are of LGBTQ+ people. This year’s edition examined 506 cities on 49 different criteria across five categories — non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, services and programs, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
Based on these criteria, Kansas City, MO earned a score of 100 out of 100. A perfect score. Here’s a breakdown of how we got here… and how that score may change.
Non-discrimination laws
This category looks at whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. Kansas City achieved a 26 out of 30 for our laws across the state, county, and municipality, but received bonus points for single-occupancy all-gender facilities and protections against youth conversion therapy.
Municipality as employer
Cities can achieve points for inclusive employment policies like trans-inclusive healthcare policies and non-discrimination in city employment. Kansas City got a 23 out of 28, and earned bonus points for city employee domestic partner benefits.
Services and programs
This section considers the city’s efforts to include LGBTQ+ folks in city services and programs. Kansas City scored 12 out of 12, and got bonus points for city-offered services to the transgender community and those living with HIV or AIDS.
Law enforcement
Looking at the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community, Kansas City earned 22 out of 22.
Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality
This section looks at city leadership’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. Kansas City got an 8 out of 8, and earned bonus points for the city testing the limits of restrictive state laws.
Looking ahead
Even a perfect score doesn’t mean a perfect city. Kansas City earned its perfect score with bonus points and would achieve a higher score from the HRC with a few extra efforts. For example, the city could re-elect or appoint openly LGBTQ+ leaders. The city could also provide services to LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness, youth, and older adults.
If you want to get involved, here are some local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.
How do you think we could make our community more welcoming to all? Let us know.