The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay rights organization, included 14 Connecticut companies in its 2015 Corporate Equality Index, an annual report that assesses inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in major companies and law firms.
“When it comes to LGBT equality, corporate America is a leader, not a follower,” said Chad Griffin, the group’s president. “At every turn, from advocating for marriage equality to providing vital support for transgender employees, this country’s leading companies have asked, ‘What more can we do?,’ and they’ve worked tirelessly to achieve new progress.”
The rating is based on non-discrimination policies, employment benefits, demonstrated results in inclusion, public commitment to equality and responsible citizenship.
| Employer Name | 2015 CEI Rating |
|---|---|
| Aetna Inc. | 100 |
| Boehringer Ingelheim USA Corp. | 100 |
| CIGNA Corp. | 100 |
| Diageo North America | 100 |
| General Electric Co. | 100 |
| The Hartford Financial Services Group | 100 |
| Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide | 100 |
| United Technologies Corp. | 100 |
| Xerox Corp. | 100 |
| Day Pitney LLP | 90 |
| FactSet Research Systems Inc. | 80 |
| Pitney Bowes Inc. | 80 |
| RBS Securities Inc. | 75 |
| Praxair Inc. | 50 |
Griffin said LGBT workers still face major obstacles, despite the gains.
“Too many companies still don’t guarantee these vital workplace protections, and too many LGBT people — transgender people in particular — face high rates of unemployment and discrimination in hiring, keeping them from ever getting a foot in the door in the first place,” he said.
The full report is available on line.