Municipal Equality Index 2020

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 the city leadership's public position on equality.

The 2020 MEI is the ninth annual edition and rates a total of 506 cities on 49 different criteria from every state in the nation.

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2020 Municipal Equality Index Full Report

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Municipal Equality Index 2020

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Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign Foundation, President

Executive Summary

The 2020 MEI reflects the largest number of top-scoring municipalities in the MEI’s nine year history. 94 cities earned the maximum score of 100 points this year, up from 88 cities last year and just 11 in 2012. What’s more, the national city score average jumped to a record high of 64 points (up from 60 last year), marking the fourth consecutive year of national average increases as well as the highest year over year national average growth ever.

506 Cities Rated

94,237,171 Total Population Rated

94

94 of 506

100 Point Scores

179

179 of 506

Number of Rated Cities Offering Trans-Inclusive Health Benefits

Regional Trends

38 state averages increased since the 2019 MEI. North Dakota, Nebraska, Virginia, and Kansas had the top four highest state average increases.

About the 2021 MEI Scorecard

Learn about the 2021 MEI scorecard, read our standards of credit, and submit your city to be rated.

MEI Standards for Credit 2021 MEI Scorecard

MEI Issue Briefs

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

Inclusive and Innovative Approaches to Citywide Bullying Prevention

Trans-Inclusive Health Benefits

The Case for Retaining Domestic Partnership Laws and Policies

Submit a Municipality to Be Rated

Related Resources

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Laws & Legislation, State & Local Policy

MEI 2020: See Your City's Score

State & Local Policy, Laws & Legislation

MEI 2019: See Your City's Score

State & Local Policy

Submit a Municipality to Be Rated