The City of Hoboken has earned a perfect score for LGBTQ+ equality from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index for the eighth year in a row.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“As gender affirming care, same sex marriage, and workplace protections continue to be attacked on the federal level, it has never been more critical to continue to stand firm in our beliefs to uplift and protect our LGBTQ+ community members,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“Hoboken has been, and will remain, a community that believes in inclusivity, and we have put the policies in place to do so. I thank the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for recognizing our efforts and for continuing their mission to push for equality across the country.”
This year, a record-breaking 130 cities, or over 25 percent of all MEI-rated cities, earned the highest score of 100, suggesting that LGBTQ+ equality is making significant strides at the local level, establishing a warrant for continued work to advance equality at the national level.
“We are thrilled by Hoboken’s perfect score,” added Hoboken Pride Advisory Committee Chair Catherine Williams.
“It reflects the continued dedication of elected leaders and community members to ensuring that Hoboken is a safe and welcoming city for everyone, which is more important than ever as basic human rights for LGBTQ+ Americans remain under threat.”
The MEI provides a public snapshot of how cities advance LGBTQ+ equality and a framework for elected officials and municipal administrators across the country, outlining impactful steps they can take to protect their LGBTQ+ residents and staff.
“For over a decade, Hoboken has built a community rooted in inclusivity, where respect and understanding grow, even through challenging conversations,” noted Hoboken’s LGBTQ+ Community Liaison Laura Knittel.
“This year, our commitment to protecting and uplifting our LGBTQ+ neighbors, especially transgender families, has earned us a 100% score from the Human Rights Campaign. Hoboken has become a refuge for many, including those with transgender family members who have moved here seeking safety and dignity, and we stand with them today and always. While we mourn the over 25 transgender lives lost to violence or suicide this year alone, our resolve grows stronger, and our love for each other remains unwavering.”