For the sixth consecutive year, scores increased across the United States on Human Rights Campaign’s 12th annual Municipal Equality Index, and New England communities were once again at the forefront.
On a scale of 0–100, the Index measures how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are for LGBTQ+ people who live and work in select municipalities of various sizes within each state. Communities are rated based on nondiscrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
Here’s how New England came in:
In Massachusetts: Once again this year, Boston, Arlington, Cambridge, Northampton, Provincetown, Salem and Worcester all scored perfect 100s. Lowell earned 91, Springfield 84 and Amherst 74.
In Connecticut: Norwalk and Stamford both received 100s. Hartford scored 99, New Haven 85, New Britain 83, Waterbury 69, Storrs 61, Fairfield 46 and Bridgeport 42.
In Rhode Island: Providence scored 100. Newport earned 79, East Providence 73, Warwick 72, Cranston 65, Pawtucket 64, Kingston 58 and Narragansett 52.
In New Hampshire: Durham scored 96, Portsmouth 89, Manchester 85, Dover 80, Nashua 75, Concord 69, Keene 67, Derry 58, Rochester 53 and Plymouth 44.
In Vermont: Burlington came in at 89, Montpelier 64, Rutland 63, Winooski 62, South Burlington 61, Brattleboro and Essex 60, Castleton 48 and Barre 46.
In Maine: Portland received 85, South Portland 74, Bangor 70, Brunswick 62, Scarborough 61, Augusta 55, Auburn 51 and Orono 34.
More: hrc.org/resources/municipal-equality-index
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