Human Rights Campaign Foundation released its 14th edition of the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) — the only comprehensive nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality in the areas of municipal policies, laws and services.
“This year’s story is one of both breathtaking progress and unwavering persistence,” said HRC Foundation President Kelley Robinson. “A record-breaking 132 cities achieved perfect 100-point scores—more than ever before in the MEI’s history.”
“This remarkable milestone proves what we have always known: that equality is not merely an aspiration but an achievable reality when commitment meets courage. Our cities are showing us the way forward, demonstrating that even as attacks on our community intensify, hope and determination can create sanctuaries of inclusion.”
However, Robinson noted, for the first time in seven years, the national average decreased, reflecting the current backlash against LGBTQ+ rights, and particularly trans and nonbinary rights. All the more reason for persistence, she stressed.
In New England
Earning scores of 100 in the Bay State are Amherst, Arlington, Boston, Cambridge, Northampton, Provincetown and Salem. Worcester came in at 97, Lowell 95 and Springfield 83.
In Maine, Portland came in at 79, Bangor at 78, South Portland and Brunswick at 73, Lewiston 69, Scarborough 60, Auburn at 49, Augusta 48 and Orono at 41.
In New Hampshire, Portsmouth came in at 95, Durham at 93, Manchester 81, Dover 80, Nashua 71, Concord 69, Keene 54, Rochester 51, Derry 46 and Plymouth at 32.
In Vermont, Burlington scored 99, Winooski 69, Montpelier 63, Barre and Rutland 62, Brattleboro 60, South Burlington 53, Castleton 48 and Essex at 46.
In Rhode Island, Providence earned a perfect 100, with East Providence coming in at 72, Cranston 66, Newport and Pawtucket 65, Warwick 64, Kington 60 and Narragansett at 46.
In Connecticut, New Haven and Norwalk earned perfect 100s, with Stamford coming in at 99, Hartford at 85, New Britain 81, Storrs (Mansfield) 65, Waterbury 54, Fairfield 52 and Bridgeport at 40.
More: hrc.org/resources/municipal-equality-index
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