“We commend Mayor Brown for calling for this study that will show exactly how far behind Jacksonville is compared to other cities in Florida and across the country in protecting its LGBT residents and visitors from discrimination,” said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse. “While over 17 other jurisdictions in Florida, comprising more than half of the state’s population, have outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Jacksonville still lacks these basic measures of equality. We look forward to working with the incoming city council to pass these vitally important protections.”

The city of Jacksonville scored a low 20 out of 100 on the 2014 HRC Municipal Equality Index, which is a nationwide evaluation of municipal law and LGBT equality. Florida as a whole lacks comprehensive statewide LGBT non-discrimination protections. While 55% of Floridians are covered by inclusive non-discrimination protections thanks to local ordinances, in places like Jacksonville, LGBT residents and visitors are left vulnerable to discrimination.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBT people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

###