© 2025 WEKU
NPR for Northern, Central and Eastern Kentucky
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Support WEKU and join the 1850 campaign for the future! 1,850 new supporters, each giving $10 monthly to keep WEKU strong. We are down to 1275 to go! Donate today!

Lexington earns a perfect score in national equality index ratings

Stu Johnson

For the first time, the city of Lexington attained a perfect score in the national Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality annual Index.

The civil rights organization each year rates cities on how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of their gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities.

The score of 106 for Lexington is the highest received by any city in the Commonwealth. Lexington was the first county in the state to pass a fairness ordinance in 1999. Since then, the urban county council has passed domestic partner benefits for government employees, passed a ban on youth conversion therapy, and held the annual Pride Festival.

Debra Hensley, a former council member and longstanding businesswoman said, quote, “Over the past two decades we’ve had hard-working leaders, like our current mayor, administration and Council, focused on strengthening our community’s diversity. It is times like this that I am so proud of all that we have accomplished, and I look forward to future celebrations of equity and inclusion.” Lexington has been rated by the Human Rights Campaign since 2013.

Stu Johnson retired from WEKU in November, 2024 after reporting for the station for 40 years. Stu's primary beat was Lexington/Fayette government.
WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.
Related Content