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HRC Ranks Little Rock 13 Out Of 100 In Equality Measure

The Human Rights Campaign has measured the state of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Arkansans in five cities across the state 

While Fayetteville scored a 42, Little Rock received a score of 13. According to Cathryn Oakley of the HRC, Little Rock's score was helped by statewide anti-bullying laws and by non-discrimination in city employment.

"Thirteen points is not amazing, on the other hand, it's 13 points more than other cities have," said Oakley. 

Oakley said Little Rock's score was hurt this year because the city didn't report hate crime statistics including sexual orientation and gender identity to the FBI in 2012. 

"So, because Little Rock didn't do that in 2012 they're not getting those points. If they did they would be at 23 points this year."

Oakley said she does not know if Little Rock has submitted hate crime statistics to the FBI since 2012. 

According to the HRC, the average score for Arkansas Cities is 21 out of 100, compared to a national average of 59. North Little Rock, Springdale and Fort Smith ranked at 16. The group has created what it calls a "Municipal Equality Index" to rank cities. This is the third year the HRC has released the rankings.  

The score is based on the existence of non-discrimination laws, municipal employment policies, law enforcement practices, the inclusiveness of city services, and relationship recognition. The HRC says cities with higher LGBT populations and more LGBT people in elected office tend to score better.  

According to Oakley, Fayetteville's score will go up if the city's non-discrimination policy is not successfully challenged.

"Look, you know, we have cities that went up by 45 points last year. This is the kind of thing where the score card is really meant to be a blueprint," she explained. "

Little Rock’s equality index score may change significantly after same-sex marriage questions are resolved in the state. On November 20, a federal judge will hold a hearing on a challenge to the state’s gay marriage ban. A separate case is pending in front of the state’s Supreme Court. 

 

Sarah Whites-Koditschek is a former News Anchor/ Reporter for KUAR News and Arkansas Public Media.