In 2014, BP backed a global study researching challenges for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and for ways that companies can be a "force for change" for LGBT workers around the world.[38] In 2015, Reuters wrote that BP is "known for their more liberal policies for gay and transgender workers".[39] A 2016 article in the Houston Chronicle said BP was "among the first major companies in the United States to offer LGBT workers equal protection and benefits roughly 20 years ago".[40] BP scored a 100% on the 2018 Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, which was released in 2017, although this was the most common score.[41] Also in 2017, BP added gender reassignment surgery to its list of benefits for U.S. employees.[42] According to the Human Rights Campaign, BP is one of only a few oil and gas companies offering transgender benefits to its employees.[42] BP ranked No. 51 on the list of Top 100 employers for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff on the 2017 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.[43] Also in 2017, John Mingé, chairman and president of BP America, signed a letter alongside other Houston oil executives denouncing the proposed "bathroom bill" in Texas.[44]