Mayor Celebrates New Haven's Perfect Score By Human Rights Campaign

From the Office of the Mayor:

NEW HAVEN, CT — Mayor Justin Elicker celebrated the City of New Haven receiving a score of 100 on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a comprehensive assessment of LGBTQ+ equality in the areas of municipal policies, law, and services, which is conducted annually by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. As part of its work, the HRC Foundation conducts the MEI, which was released nationally on Thursday. The MEI “examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there” and “cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.” The 2024 index is the organization’s thirteenth annual edition and rates a total of 506 cities from every state in the nation on 49 different criteria.

New Haven received a score of 100 on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index, the highest score that can be received by a municipality. This marks the first year that the City of New Haven has achieved this distinction, and New Haven is one of only two cities in Connecticut to receive an MEI score of 100, with the other being Stamford.

“New Haven is a city that proudly welcomes everyone, no matter who you are, how you identify, or who you love. Our LGBTQ+ residents add to the strength and vitality of our city, and we’re committed to ensuring our LGBTQ+ residents are fully affirmed, included, and integrated in our civic life,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “It’s gratifying to have leading organizations like the Human Rights Campaign acknowledge New Haven’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, and I’m incredibly proud of the Elm City’s 100 score on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index. While sadly LGBTQ+ rights are under attack in other parts of the country, in New Haven we’re resolved to keeping moving forward towards greater equality, inclusion, and belonging for our LGBTQ+ residents.”

The index evaluated and recognized New Haven’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equality across several key areas, including: non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement policies, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

One item of note is the city’s support of and partnership with the New Haven Pride Center, which provides a variety of critical services, free resources, and meaningful programming for LGBTQ+ residents of all ages. This includes monthly community dinners and social events, affinity social spaces, professional and personal development, a community food and toiletries pantry, a clothing closet, a lending library featuring LGBTQ+ books, among other services.

Juancarlos Soto, Executive Director of the New Haven Pride Center, stated "The City of New Haven’s 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2024 Municipal Equality Index is a testament to its steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. At the New Haven Pride Center, we witness daily how the City of New Haven policies and services enrich and empower our community. We are proud to partner with a city that champions equality and celebrates diversity. Together, we will continue to make New Haven a model of a city that cultivates a sense of belonging and wellbeing for the LGBTQ+ community"

The score is also reflective of the city’s efforts to ensure LGBTQ+ residents are included and able to access city services and programs. Residents can connect with the city’s LGBTQ+ Liaison, Killian Gruber, at kgruber@newhavenct.gov or 203-946-4984, or the New Haven Youth and Recreation Department’s LGBTQ+ Liaison, Ernest Cloman, at ecloman@newhavenct.gov or 203-946-4939.

More about the Municipal Equality Index can be found at hrc.org/mei.