Providence Achieves Perfect Score in Human Rights Campaign’s LGBTQ+ Equality Survey

Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced today that Providence has once again earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a distinction it has maintained since 2014. Providence remains the only eligible city in Rhode Island to receive this recognition, with only 130 out of 506 eligible cities nationwide achieving a 100-point score this year.

"This achievement underscores our ongoing commitment to ensuring that Providence remains a welcoming, inclusive city that supports and advocates for the rights of our LGBTQ+ neighbors," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "Together, with the support of our community partners, my Administration is committed to building a capital city where all who live, work and visit feel valued, respected and safe."

This year, Providence earned additional points for its initiatives to provide services for people living with HIV or AIDS and offering employee domestic partner benefits regardless of gender or sexuality. While these areas have long been strengths for the city, they have now been officially recognized.

The MEI measures the inclusivity of municipal laws, policies and services for LGBTQ+ community members. Cities are also rated on the municipality as an employer, non-discrimination laws, equity in municipal services, law enforcement practices and the city leadership's relevant public positions.

This year's MEI scorecard can be found online here.