Editorial: City can be more inclusive for LGBT

One evaluation isn’t a definitive statement of inclusiveness.

Yet the recent release of the annual ranking of communities – based on inclusivity for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered residents – provides a challenge for Sioux Falls.

Our city received a rating of 28 out of a possible 100 points.

It’s not a good number. It’s below the average rating of 56 nationwide and there’s been no progress in the three years we’ve been included in the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Index.

The index is a measure of laws and policies that are on the books. While it’s a substantive method with measurable results, it’s not necessarily the best reflection of a community’s inclusiveness.

That’s not to say there aren’t elements in our city who disagree with the recognition of LGBT community on a fundamental level. There are.

Nor is it suggesting Sioux Falls as a warm and welcoming community for citizens whose sexual orientation is outside the traditional man-woman coupling. It is not.

However, it is equally misguided to characterize this place as a Bible Belt bastion of bigotry.

There is an important distinction that needs to be made, that is between the city of Sioux Falls and the state of South Dakota. Laws are laws after all and some of what we get judged on is controlled by Pierre. And without going into too much detail, it’s fair to say that the distinction between the metropolitan area and the state as a whole is more than geopolitical reality. There is a difference in attitude and certainly inclusivity.

That said, it needs to get better.

The city of Sioux Falls should address the policy deficiencies pointed out by the Human Rights Campaign. Specifically, the mayor and City Council should consider non-discrimination laws for private employment, housing and public accommodations. We should provide protections for transgender city employees and open communication between city departments and the LGBT community.

The degree to which all these things are possible is an open question.

But it’s time to move forward and get the issues on the table for discussion. That’s going to require someone in city government to step forward and take up the cause.

Studies such as Municipal Index frequently drop into our consciousness. They are often artificial by definition, seemingly analytic measurements of immeasurable human behavior. Ignoring the results because of the inexact nature of the process would be shortsighted.

We want Sioux Falls to be known as an inclusive place for all people. It’s not just an academic discussion. There are real implications for workforce development and economic growth that factor into the equation.

We aren’t perfect when it comes to inclusiveness of our neighbors who identify with the LGBT community.

But we’re better than 28.