The city of Providence received an extra shout out as an exemplifier of a top-scoring city of its size in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s newly released 14th edition of the Municipal Equality Index: 

At a time when our LGBTQ+ neighbors across the nation are facing a resurgence of hateful rhetoric, hostility, and attacks on their freedom, Mayor Brett Smiley is proud to be prioritizing policies that ensure Providence remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive city for all. With support and feedback from community leaders and advocates, Mayor Smiley, Providence’s second openly gay mayor, has strengthened LGBTQ+ protections across City departments, resulting in Providence earning a perfect MEI score, the highest-scoring city in Rhode Island once again. 

From bolstering support for individuals living with HIV or AIDs to ensuring City employees are guaranteed domestic partnership benefits, the City of Providence is taking meaningful action through inclusive municipal services and policies to protect our LGBTQ+ neighbors. When federal funding cuts threatened prevention work addressing substance use disparities among LGBTQ+ youth, Providence stepped up through its Department of Housing and Human Services to continue this important work in partnership with community providers.

Providence’s record reflects years of work to advance equality and inclusion for all neighbors. From advocating for marriage equality and simplifying adoption for same-sex couples to introducing gender-neutral bathrooms in public buildings, the City continues to build on a proud legacy of progress.

As home to one of the nation’s largest and most vibrant Pride celebrations and New England’s only night Pride parade. Providence has become a national model protecting, advocating, and empowering individuals of every background.

Also in the Ocean State, along with Providence’s score of 100, East Providence came in at 72, Cranston 66, Newport and Pawtucket 65, Warwick 64, Kington 60 and Narragansett at 46.

More: hrc.org/resources/municipal-equality-index

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