An Analysis of LGBT Nondiscrimination Policy Adoption by Local Governments

• In Event: Exploring Public Opinion and Public Policy Surrounding LGBTQ Interests in the US

Abstract

The United States Federal Government has no protections for LGBT people from discrimination in private employment, housing, or public accommodations. The debate has shifted to local governments because the national government and many states have not enacted LGBT nondiscrimination legislation. However, previous research underestimates the extent of Americans covered by local LGBT nondiscrimination laws at the city- and county-levels. This paper provides analysis of an original dataset of the 759 cities with some type of LGBT nondiscrimination policy. Policy adoption in this area is best explained through a combination of city- and state-level indicators. Logistic regression is used to identify city-level indicators that explain LGBT nondiscrimination policy adoption by cities. Case studies of Idaho and Wyoming are used to identify state-level variables that explain policy adoption in this area. The results suggest that continued pressure on state legislatures to pass LGBT protections has a positive impact on policy adoption at the local level. Local, grassroots organizing or “home-grown” campaigning increase the likelihood of LGBT nondiscrimination policy adoption by local governments, especially in rural areas. Successful campaigns rely on local coalitions of LGBT advocates, educational institutions, the business community, and religious organizations.

Author

• Benjamin Gordon Larsen, Boise State University