As we wrap up Pride Month, we at the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) are sharing new analyses utilizing our LGBTQ Equality Maps, which track 50+ LGBTQ state laws and policies, and our new Democracy Maps, which track 40+ laws and policies related to voting and elections.
Our ability to have free and fair elections in every state is directly related to many key issues including LGBTQ equality and reproductive rights. The January 6 hearings have shown how close our country has come to losing our democracy. Threats of violence against LGBTQ people, including at Pride celebrations, have increased this month.
The majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, strongly support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people. Yet lawmakers in a majority of states refuse to enact such protections.
Without free and fair elections, too many people are disenfranchised, face substantial barriers to voting, and live in gerrymandered states where they cannot effectively elect lawmakers who reflect their values on LGBTQ equality and other issues.
Full Democracy Tally rankings by state: tinyurl.com/y2zms9w5 .
Full LGBTQ Equality Tally rankings by state: tinyurl.com/2p97653j .
Chart comparing LGBTQ & Democracy Tally rankings: tinyurl.com/yckk3uup .
Comparing Key Takeaways Comparing LGBTQ Equality and Democracy Tally Scores Across the Country:
Our LGBTQ Equality Maps and Democracy Maps show how issues of equality and democracy fit together.
Takeaway 1: States with negative LGBTQ Tally scores also have low Democracy Tally scores.
For example, Mississippi ranks last in the Democracy Tally scores and #45 in the LGBTQ Tally scores. Seven other states fall into the bottom ten states on both tallies: Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, and South Carolina.
Takeaway 2: Generally, states with high LGBTQ policy tallies also tend to have higher Democracy tally scores.
For example, California and Colorado rank #1 and #2 in the LGBTQ Tally for highest scores and are also #3 and #1 in the Democracy Tally, respectively. Four other states score in the top 10 for both tallies: Vermont, Oregon, New Jersey, and Nevada.
Takeaway 3: The chart above also shows, however, that among states with relatively positive LGBTQ Tally scores, there remains a lot of variation in Democracy Tally scores. For example, New Hampshire ranks #18 in the LGBTQ Tally, but is #44 in the Democracy Tally showing that they've taken many more steps to be inclusive for LGBTQ people but fewer positive steps to protect democracy and modernize election systems in their state.
Until recently, New York had been among the top ranked LGBTQ Tally states but was ranked below average on the Democracy Tally. However, over the past two years, lawmakers in New York have passed a number of positive election-related laws and policies, including a landmark state voting rights act earlier this week. The tally score in each area still varies widely, with New York, ranking #5 in the LGBTQ Tally but #22 in the Democracy Tally.
The Right to Vote and Struggles for Equality Are Connected.
Pride celebrations began as protests against brutality and a desire for visibility, respect, and recognition. LGBTQ people across the country continue to work tirelessly for basic protections. Similarly, the struggle for the right to vote has animated our country since its inception and the fight to ensure that every eligible citizen can cast their ballot and that their votes are counted continues.
To help inform these critical efforts, MAP will continue to track LGBTQ- and democracy-related laws and policies on our maps. We update them in real time, make them free to embed, and frequently provide data to advocates, policymakers, the media, and researchers.
