Bismarck, N.D. (AP) A national gay rights advocacy group has given North Dakota cities failing grades in its assessment of American cities' treatment of sexuality and gender identity rights.
The human rights campaign rated Bismarck lowest, with 14 points out of a possible 100 for the level of protection it offers lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Fargo received 41 points, while Grand Forks had 30 and Minot had 17.
The organization rated 353 cities on metrics including non-discrimination law and relationship recognition. The national average score was 59.
The group gave the city of Bismarck zero points as an employer because it doesn't offer LGBT-specific benefits. Bismarck's mayor says the city is a "very open employer'' and doesn't discriminate in any way.