Tucson has long been a leader in LGBTQ inclusion, from passing local nondiscrimination ordinances to scoring high on national equality indexes. But despite this progress, a major opportunity remains on the table: solidifying legal protections that reflect Tucson’s inclusive values and ensuring they are felt across every part of daily life, from employment and housing to public services and civic engagement.
Arizona does not have a comprehensive statewide nondiscrimination law that protects sexual orientation and gender identity. This leaves LGBTQ Arizonans, especially those outside progressive cities like Tucson, vulnerable to discrimination in areas like housing, employment, and public accommodations. Tucson has taken steps to close this gap locally, but leadership at the city level can go further.
Tucson’s Strong Start — and Where We Can Grow
Tucson was among the first Arizona cities to pass an LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance. The city’s code prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public services based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This is significant, especially in a state where such protections are not guaranteed.
However, city ordinances do not carry the same weight as statewide law. LGBTQ individuals in Tucson are still subject to gaps in legal protection if they move, work, or interact outside city limits. This leaves many people living in a legal patchwork, unsure when and where their rights are protected.
Local leaders and advocacy organizations have pushed for more consistent protections. Groups like Equality Arizona and the ACLU of Arizona continue to champion a Statewide Nondiscrimination Act, which would create uniform legal standards. Tucson can support this effort publicly while expanding its own policies to set a higher standard for inclusion.
What Tucson Can Do Next
Tucson has a chance to lead by example and inspire statewide change. Here are some concrete steps the city can take:
- Strengthen enforcement of existing local nondiscrimination ordinances by increasing transparency around how complaints are processed and resolved. This builds public trust and ensures protections are more than symbolic.
- Expand protections to city contractors and grantees. Tucson could require that any organization receiving public funds adopt LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination policies.
- Promote inclusive business practices by partnering with the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce to grow initiatives like the Unity Pledge — a voluntary commitment by businesses to uphold fair treatment for LGBTQ people.
- Support statewide advocacy through formal city resolutions, public education campaigns, and cross-city coalitions with Phoenix, Tempe, and Flagstaff, which have similar ordinances.
Why This Matters
Legal protections are the foundation of equality. When LGBTQ people are free from the fear of discrimination, they are more likely to pursue jobs, housing, education, and healthcare with confidence. Comprehensive legal frameworks promote economic stability, mental wellness, and community trust.
Tucson has an opportunity to do more than protect its residents. It can model what inclusion looks like for the rest of Arizona. As public opinion continues to shift toward equality, the time is right for bold, visible leadership that affirms LGBTQ dignity under the law.
Want to help strengthen LGBTQ legal protections in Tucson?
Join a local advocacy group, support LGBTQ-inclusive businesses, or speak with city officials about expanding local ordinances. If you have ideas or want to share your story, contact us here. Together, we can ensure that equality under the law is a practice in every corner of Tucson.
