Municipal Equality Index 2023

The MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

The 2023 MEI is the twelfth annual edition and rates a total of 506 cities on 49 different criteria from every state in the nation.

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Municipal Equality Index 2023

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Produced by the HRC Foundation

Cities and towns around the country are stepping up each and every day, finding new and innovative ways to empower LGBTQ+ people in the face of a dire national state of emergency. Even when anti-LGBTQ+ extremists in state capitals are working to undermine their progress, mayors and city councilmembers keep fighting to make sure that LGBTQ+ people in their communities - especially trans people - are supported and lifted up to the fullest extent possible. This year’s Municipal Equality Index shows the results of their dedication, while acknowledging the increasingly hostile environment in which they must govern.

Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign

Municipal Equality Index 2023

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About the 2024 MEI Scorecard

Learn about the 2024 MEI scorecard, read our standards of credit, and submit your city to be rated.

MEI Standards for Credit 2024 MEI Scorecard

MEI City Resources and Issue Briefs

2024 MEI Survey Help Guide

Slide Deck - Intro to the MEI Process and Navigating the 2024 MEI Survey

Why Municipal Equality Matters in the Midst of a National LGBTQ+ State of Emergency

Overcoming State Preemption to Protect LGBTQ+ Rights in 2023

Municipalities Have the Power to Implement LGBTQ+ Inclusive Abortion Rights

Trans-Inclusive Health Benefits

Cities Can Be More Supportive of the Transgender and Non-Binary Communities: Here’s How

Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia Supreme Court decision

Addressing an Epidemic of Anti-Transgender Violence: What Cities Can Do

Expanding PrEP Access to Help End the HIV Epidemic

Achieving A Healthier, Stronger Workforce Through Inclusive Paid Leave

Working Toward a Fully-Inclusive Municipal Workplace

Addressing the Unique Needs of LGBTQ+ Older People

Protecting Youth from Harmful "Conversion Therapy"

Addressing Systemic Racism Through Municipal Action

Equal Access to Sex-Segregated Facilities

The Imperative of Responsible Hate Crime Reporting

The Case for Retaining Domestic Partnership Laws and Policies

Submit a Municipality to Be Rated

MEI Frequently Asked Questions

The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission to support the LGBTQ+ community.

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Municipal Equality Index 2023

Municipal Equality Index 2023

About the 2024 MEI Scorecard

MEI City Resources and Issue Briefs

MEI Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

MEI 2023: See Your Cities' Scores

Submit a Municipality to Be Rated

State Equality Index 2023

Love conquers hate.

HATE WON'T MAKE US GREAT!

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Municipal Equality Index 2023

About the 2024 MEI Scorecard

MEI City Resources and Issue Briefs

MEI Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CITIES RATED?

HOW WERE THESE CITIES CHOSEN?

WHY ISN’T WASHINGTON, D.C. RATED?

DID YOU KNOW THAT “X” ISN’T A CITY?

HOW ARE THE SCORES CALCULATED?

WHERE DID THE INFORMATION FOR THESE SCORES COME FROM?

CAN ONLY CITIES IN STATES WITH GOOD LAWS GET GOOD SCORES?

IS THIS A RANKING OF THE BEST CITIES FOR LGBTQ+ PEOPLE TO LIVE IN?

Related Resources

MEI 2023: See Your Cities' Scores

Submit a Municipality to Be Rated

State Equality Index 2023

Love conquers hate.

HATE WON'T MAKE US GREAT!