The City of Jersey City has received their 11th consecutive perfect score on the 2023 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“To achieve a perfect score in LGBTQ+ rights 11 years in a row is a testament to our unwavering dedication towards establishing equality for all,” Mayor Steven Fulop said a statement.
“Every person deserves equal rights and equal opportunity, and as one of the most diverse cities in the nation, Jersey City is proudly leading by example.”
MEI is the only nationwide evaluation of LGBTQ+ equality regarding municipal policies, laws, and services in over 500 cities.
Jersey City earned a final score of 100 out of 100 in all five categories:
• Non-Discrimination Laws
• Municipality as Employer
• Municipal Services
• Law Enforcement
• Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality
In 2013, about three months after Fulop took office, Jersey City became one of the first in New Jersey to issue licenses and perform same-sex weddings.
The Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Task Force was established the following year to ensure equal opportunity for our diverse population, workforce, and business sector.
In 2015, Fulop announced the city’s first-ever transgender-related healthcare coverage, then earlier this year, the award-winning documentary “Strength through Visibility” was released to mark 20 years of Pride in Jersey City.
“No other Mayor or public official has committed to promoting equality and LGBTQ+ rights as much as Mayor Fulop has over the past decade, and it is felt beyond our LGBTQ+ community to encourage inclusivity among people of all races, religions, socioeconomic status, and so on,” added Jeana Abuan, Coordinator for the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Task Force.
“Our task force works in close collaboration with our community partners for the continued advancement of vital LGBTQ+ programs and equality initiatives.”
The MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are for 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 full MEI report is available online here.
Meanwhile Ravi hasn’t done shit for the LGBTQIA community other than paint a crosswalk
And host a few book readings
Wonder if he sincerely supports Queer marriage?
I mean after all, his faiths beliefs aren’t very Gay friendly