Aurora LGBTQ Services Rank No. 2 In State: Human Rights Campaign

AURORA, IL — Among nine Illinois cities, Aurora ranked second in the state with a score of 79 out of 100. Boosting its score well above the national average of 57 was its police department. Not only does it have a liaison, it also reported 2015 hate crime statistics to the FBI. Those actions elevated its score above its neighbor to the east. Naperville ranked last, at 44, in an LGBTQ equality scorecard. The Human Rights Campaign tallied numbers for more than 500 municipalities in the nation.

And while Naperville did get props for its non-discrimination laws (a 30 out of possible 30), it lost points for having no LGBTQ police liaison or task force. It also lost some points in the categories of municipal services and relationship with the LGBTQ community.

In an interview with the Naperville Sun, Mayor Steve Chirico told the paper he hasn't heard of a hate crime occurring in Naperville. He also said no one has raised the issue of a task force or liaison. There is one active hate group in Naperville, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center. Americans for Truth About Homosexuality is based there and is among 31 others in the state. Earlier this July, Congressman Bill Foster hosted an LGBTQ panel discussion to raise awareness in the 11th District.

Illinois cities ranked highest lowest are:

1. Chicago, 100
2. Aurora, 79
3. Champaign, 79
4. Joliet, 78
5. Peoria, 67
6. Springfield, 65
7. Rockford, 61
8. Carbondale, 50
9. Naperville, 42

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