A new report assessing policies that promote LGBTQ equality finds communities in Maine scored below the national average.
In its annual Municipal Equality Index, the Washington, D.C.-based Human Rights Campaign surveyed 500 municipalities across the U.S. including nine in Maine. The assessed criteria include comprehensive nondiscrimination laws, contractor nondiscrimination policies and city employee domestic partner benefits.
The cities and towns in Maine that were surveyed averaged 53 out of a possible 100 points. The national average is 60. Eighty-eight municipalities across the nation received perfect scores. Portland had the top score in Maine with 94 points, 8 points higher than last year.
The Human Rights Campaign notes that the report is not a ranking of the best cities for LGBTQ people to live in.