Columbia earns perfect score on Human Rights Campaign Municipal Quality Index

The City of Columbia has earned an all star rating and a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

The campaign conducted the annual nationwide evaluation of cities which rates laws, policies, benefits and services of municipalities on established criteria.

Columbia was one of 68 cities who earned a perfect score out of 506 cities reviewed.

According to the campaign, Columbia has great LGBTQ liaisons in the city’s manager’s office and the Columbia police department, transgenders inclusive health benefits for the city employees, diversity and inclusion training for city employees and non-discrimination laws for employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Mayor Brian Treece has been working with city staff to improved Columbia’s score of 74 from 2015.

“We are excited at our progress towards achieving our vision that Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play,” Treece said.