The Human Rights Campaign's 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) has highlighted a beacon of LGBTQ+ support in Ohio, and it's the city of Akron. For the eighth time in nine years, Akron has notched a perfect score on the index, tying its own record with a raw score of 108. Despite Ohio's lack of specific non-discrimination laws for sexual orientation and gender identity, Akron's dedication shines through, earning it the title of an "All-Star City" from the HRC. This honor is given to cities scoring above 85 points under such state conditions, according to the City of Akron's official announcement.
The MEI serves as a mirror for how cities treat their LGBTQ+ inhabitants, inspecting local laws and policies, and how inclusive they truly are. Of note, this year, a remarkable 132 cities, that's over 25 percent of all MEI-rated cities, have earned a score of 100. Yet, 64 cities, including Akron, stand out as All-Star Cities, reports the Human Rights Campaign. Mayor Shammas Malik has expressed pride in the city's inclusive values. "Akron is a welcoming community for all and we’re proud to support our LGBTQ+ residents and employees," he said in a statement obtained by the City of Akron press release, in an expression of Akron's commitment to diversity and protection of citizens' rights.
Earned points came from several initiatives: Akron's non-discrimination laws, inclusive workplace policies, and domestic partner benefits. Points also stemmed from the Akron Police Department's LGBTQ+ liaison and hate crime statistics reporting to the FBI. Malik himself contributed to the score through his public stance on LGBTQ+ matters and legislative efforts. Notably, the Akron Civil Rights Commission and the appointment of an LGBTQ+ liaison in the Mayor’s Office helped seal the perfect score, as highlighted in the City of Akron's press release.
The MEI report isn't just for show—it's a tool for improvement. It offers a roadmap for other municipalities to bolster protection for LGBTQ+ residents and employees. Akron's scorecard, along with detailed scorecards for every participating city, can be found in the full MEI report, accessible online at HRC's website. Interested parties and policymakers alike can tap into the 2025 MEI report for a comprehensive look at how cities across the country are measuring up in terms of LGBTQ+ equality.
