The internationally recognized Human Rights Campaign recently released the results of the 2015 Municipal Equality Index. HRC evaluated over 400 cities, including 8 in Georgia. Athens received just 19 out of a possible 100 points, tied for second-lowest in Georgia (the other Georgia cities: Atlanta-100, Augusta-12, Avondale Estates-41, Columbus-40, Decatur-28, North Druid Hills-12, Savannah-19).
One category measured was the existence of a Human Relations Commission. Both Atlanta and Columbus received maximum points for this category, while Athens received zero. The good news is that Athens has a great opportunity to change that! The Columbus commission, the Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity, and Prosperity, is structured similarly to what Athens for Everyone and the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement have proposed.


