ALPHARETTA, Ga., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ChoicePoint (NYSE: CPS) today earned the top rating of 100 percent in the 2009 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual survey administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This survey represents the sixth consecutive year that ChoicePoint has achieved a perfect score -- a record unmatched by any other Georgia company.

The Corporate Equality Index rates employers on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees, consumers and investors.

Ten other companies based in Georgia joined ChoicePoint in gaining the recognition, including Alston & Bird LLP, The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Cox Enterprises Inc., ING North America Insurance Corp., Newell Rubbermaid Inc., Powell Goldstein LLP, SunTrust Banks, Troutman Sanders LLP and United Parcel Service Inc.

"At ChoicePoint, what makes us different makes us strong. This belief is a reflection of the company culture and personality," said Derek V. Smith, ChoicePoint chairman and CEO. "We offer our associates the opportunity to grow and thrive through multiple affinity groups, outreach activities and other benefits, and we know that diversity makes for a richer and more productive work environment here at ChoicePoint. We thank the Human Rights Campaign again for this important recognition through the Corporate Equality Index."

The CEI rated 583 businesses in total, evaluating GLBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination policies, transgender health benefits and domestic partner benefits. ChoicePoint's efforts in ensuring GLBT equality in each of the survey's main criterion earned it the prestigious 100 percent ranking.

The 2009 edition of the CEI reports 259 businesses achieved a perfect score, a one-third increase over last year when the number was 195. The top-rated businesses collectively employ more than 9 million full-time employees. These workers are protected from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression because of their employers' policies on diversity training, health care, and domestic partnership benefits.

"The 2009 Corporate Equality Index shows that corporate America understands that a diverse workforce is critical to remaining successful and competitive," said HRC Foundation President Joe Solmonese. "In the absence of a federal law that prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, it is up to employers to take the lead and implement policies that ensure all their employees are protected."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. For more information on the 2009 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei .

About ChoicePoint

ChoicePoint (NYSE: CPS) provides businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations with technology, software, information and marketing services to help manage economic risks and identify business opportunities. Consumers have free access to the reports we create at www.ChoiceTrust.com . Learn what we do to protect consumer privacy by visiting www.PrivacyatChoicePoint.com and, for more information on our company, go to www.ChoicePoint.com .

SOURCE ChoicePoint