The Human Rights Campaign has released its ninth annual Municipal Equality Index for 2020. Six Bay State cities — plus Provincetown — have received perfect scores of 100, and almost all participating communities in the Bay State scored well above the national average of 64.
The Index measures inclusivity in municipal laws, policies and services for LGBTQ people in cities — plus some other communities, like P’town — across the country. Scores are based on 49 different criteria covering employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, transgender health care benefits and anti-conversion therapy ordinances.
Earning perfect scores of 100 for 2020 are Boston, Cambridge, Arlington, Northampton, Provincetown, Salem and Worcester. Amherst earned 78, Springfield scored 74 and Lowell 50.
For a full breakdown of how and why each community earned these scored, go to hrc.org/mei.
“The results of this year’s Municipality Equality Index show definitive evidence that our local leaders across the nation are standing up for equality – even as they faced headwinds from state governments or the Trump-Pence administration,” said Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David.
“Although there is newfound optimism sweeping the country with the incoming Biden-Harris administration, there is still work to be done and ground to make up. Adopting the measures outlined in the MEI will not only help cultivate more united and safe communities, but it will foster economic growth by signaling to residents, visitors and outside investors that their region is welcoming to all.”
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