The City of Jersey City received a perfect score for LGBTQ+ equality for the 12th year in a row from the 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI).
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We have worked tirelessly to build a city that is both inclusive and welcoming for all, and this recognition highlights our progress,” Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.
“Earning another perfect score solidifies our place as a national model for equality, and we are proud to lead New Jersey in advancing policies that protect and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community.”
In a post on X this morning, he added that this is particularly important in light of President-elect Donald Trump (R) returning to the White House.
Conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the MEI is the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality in municipal law, policies, and services.
It evaluated 506 cities across the United States based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
The MEI evaluates cities on 49 criteria, spanning non-discrimination protections, municipal employment policies, city services, law enforcement practices, and public leadership on LGBTQ+ issues.
“Jersey City’s perfect score is a testament to the hard work and resilience of our leaders and advocates,” added Chief Task Force Administrative Officer Jeana Abuan.
“These achievements inspire hope and remind us of the critical role that state and local governments play in advancing equality for LGBTQ+ people and their families.”
In 2013, Jersey City became one of the first municipalities in New Jersey to issue marriage licenses and officiate ceremonies for same-sex couples.
“In many important ways, local politics shapes our lives just as much as state or national politics does. Mayors and city councilors who take LGBTQ+ inclusion seriously build stronger communities, and in turn, their cities thrive,” noted Human Rights Campaign Foundation Kelley Robinson.
The full MEI report is available here.
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This is so subjective and false. Do these groups ever go through the papers to read about the homophobia that exists? Do they contact gay people who, like my housemate and I, have suffered? Your very paper has reported on our abuse at the hands of the BITE organizations president and her family. How many stories have you reported on?