Composite photo by Walker Evans.

The Human Rights Campaign just released a new report that scores cities based on their fair and equal treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents. Columbus was one of 25 US cities to score a perfect 100 percent in this year’s results, an increase of the 2012 score of 83 percent.

“Our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents provide leadership, creativity and ingenuity to make Columbus great,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “Protecting their rights and fighting for their equality is the least we can do.”

The HRC Municipality Equality index is based on 47 criteria that fall into the categories of nondiscrimination laws, relationship recognition, municipality’s employment and contracting policies, inclusiveness of city services, law enforcement and municipal leadership on matters of equality.

“Columbus’ hard work to raise the city’s score from 83 points last year to 100 points this year shows its dedication to ensuring that LGBT citizens are treated equally,” said Cathryn Oakley, HRC’s legislative counsel for state and municipal advocacy. “As a leader in Ohio and the region, Columbus demonstrates how much can be accomplished by a city who is dedicated to equality.”

Other Ohio cities on the index ranged from high to low scores, including Cincinnati (90), Cleveland (83), Toledo (70) and Akron (48).

More information can be found online at www.hrc.org.