Though 25 cities in HRC’s 2013 Municipal Equality Index received perfect scores, Atlanta, Georgia has made history as the first city in the Deep South to earn this distinction.
This is no surprise for Mayor Kasim Reed, who considers Atlanta a diverse city of quality people.
“This city has a rich history of upholding human rights and providing equal opportunity to all people,” said Kasim. “Atlanta’s commitment to equality includes outlawing discrimination based upon a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Yesterday, Mayor Reed joined HRC President Chad Griffin, Atlanta Councilmember Alex Wan, Councilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor of Atlanta's LGBT Liaison Robin Shahar and Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham at Atlanta’s City Hall for a press conference to celebrate the launch of the 2013 MEI.
Reed, who has served as Atlanta’s mayor since 2010, has demonstrated his commitment to advocating on behalf of Georgia’s LGBT community. He was the chief sponsor of Georgia’s only LGBT-inclusive hate crimes bill, and as a state senator, led the opposition against a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
On August 14, 2013, Reed designated Robin Shahar as Mayoral Advisor on LGBT Issues, and also signed a bill to update Atlanta Code to ensure the inclusion of gender identity in non-discrimination provisions.
Across the country, in red states and blue, more cities are following the standard set by Atlanta and other municipalities to lead the fight for LGBT equality.
To read more from Mayor Reed and see how your city stands on LGBT issues, please visit www.hrc.org/mei.
This is no surprise for Mayor Kasim Reed, who considers Atlanta a diverse city of quality people.
“This city has a rich history of upholding human rights and providing equal opportunity to all people,” said Kasim. “Atlanta’s commitment to equality includes outlawing discrimination based upon a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity.”
Yesterday, Mayor Reed joined HRC President Chad Griffin, Atlanta Councilmember Alex Wan, Councilmember Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor of Atlanta's LGBT Liaison Robin Shahar and Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham at Atlanta’s City Hall for a press conference to celebrate the launch of the 2013 MEI.
Reed, who has served as Atlanta’s mayor since 2010, has demonstrated his commitment to advocating on behalf of Georgia’s LGBT community. He was the chief sponsor of Georgia’s only LGBT-inclusive hate crimes bill, and as a state senator, led the opposition against a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
On August 14, 2013, Reed designated Robin Shahar as Mayoral Advisor on LGBT Issues, and also signed a bill to update Atlanta Code to ensure the inclusion of gender identity in non-discrimination provisions.
Across the country, in red states and blue, more cities are following the standard set by Atlanta and other municipalities to lead the fight for LGBT equality.
To read more from Mayor Reed and see how your city stands on LGBT issues, please visit www.hrc.org/mei.
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