NH cities ranked for LGBTQ support

According to a new report from the Human Rights Campaign, Durham has the most supportive laws, policies, and services for LGBTQ residents in New Hampshire.

The report evaluated municipalities across the nation on twenty-two factors, such as non-discrimination laws, health care benefits for public employees, and law enforcement attention to crimes against LGBTQ residents.

Durham tops ranking within NH

Durham scored 74 out 100 possible points. It beat other municipalities in part because it has non-discrimination policies that protect transgender public employees. State law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, but not gender identity.

Click here to learn more about the debate over state-level LGBTQ protections.

Durham also got points for having LGBTQ liaisons to city officials and law enforcement.

Nashua scores lowest in New England

Nashua scored worst among New Hampshire municipalities - and all municipalities in New England - with just 28 out of 100 possible points. Nashua does not provide any extra legal protection or services for LGBTQ residents.

Other New Hampshire municipalities evaluated by the Human Rights Campaign include Plymouth (33 points), Concord (39 points), Manchester (39 points), Rochester (39 points), Keene (44 points), Derry (45 points), Portsmouth (48 points), and Dover (49 points).

Rankings outside NH

• Many cities across the U.S. scored 100 points, from Louisville, Kentucky to Missoula, Montana.
• Vermont and Maine did not have any cities that scored 100 points.
• Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island all had cities that scored 100 points.
• Alaska, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and South Dakota were the only states with municipalities that scored zero points.

Do you think your city or town is supportive of LGBTQ residents? Would you like to change any of your local laws or services? Share your thoughts in the comments below.