Detroit earns 9th consecutive perfect score on national index for protection of LGBTQ+ community

• Municipal Equity Index scorecard rates large American cities based on non‐discrimination laws, policies as city and an employer, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
• Mayor says rating is a reflection of Detroit being a city that values all people
• Corporal Danni Woods, LGBT Liaison, Office of Workplace and Community Resiliency, Detroit Police Department is available for media interviews.

The City of Detroit has received its 9th consecutive 100 score (maximum) on the 2024 Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index (MEI) scoreboard. Each year, the Human Rights Campaign publishes the MEI which evaluates more than 500 cities nationally on their inclusivity laws and policies for the LGBTQ+ community.

Since 2016, Detroit has earned the maximum score of 100 points, which is the most any city can be awarded. This year, only 5 other cities in Michigan also received perfect scores. Detroit earned all 100 possible base points again this year for offering services for LGBTQ+ Youth and for having openly LGBTQ+ appointed members of City government. A city's final score, however, cannot exceed 100. MEI's base point system.

"Detroit is a city that welcomes and values all people and it is more important than ever for members of the LGBTQ+ community know Detroit is a safe place for them," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "This has been and will continue to be a priority for our city."

The City of Detroit continues to strengthen its commitment to policies and practices that support members of the LGBTQ+ community, with this year's score reflecting Detroit's
dedication to fairness, inclusivity, and equality for all residents.

"Upholding the human and civil rights of all people is what we do. We remain dedicated to supporting programs and resources that serve and elevate the causes of our LGBTQ+
communities - not for accolades or praises, but because it's the right thing to do," said Anthony Zander, Director of Detroit's Civil Rights Inclusion & Opportunity Department.

"The Detroit Police Department has received 100% on the Municipal Equality Index since 2016, to which we are humble and grateful. It is the efforts of the LGBTQ Liaison, department members, advocates, organizations and our community that have collaboratively worked to train, discuss and effect positive change to bring us to this point," said Corporal Danni Woods, LGBT Liaison, Office of Workplace and Community Resiliency, Detroit Police Department.

"We have the only MCOLES certified LGBTQ Sensitivity, Awareness, and Competency Training in the state of Michigan and work tirelessly to ensure our officers are trained and equipped to engage our LGBTQ+ citizens. With support from our Mayor's office and State leaders, Detroit represents the "True Grit" of working hard towards continuing to build an inclusive city. Equality across the board is the finish line and the mission continues, with all the components combined we will reach our goal," added Woods

Per the Human Rights Campaign, MEI evaluates and scores cities based on the following categories:

Non‐Discrimination Laws: This category evaluates whether discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited by the city, country or state in areas of employment, housing and public accommodations.

Municipality as Employer: By offering equivalent benefits and protections to LGBTQ+ employees, awarding contracts to fair-minded businesses, and taking steps to ensure an
inclusive workplace, municipalities commit themselves to treating LGBTQ+ employees equally.

Municipal Services: This section assesses the efforts of the city to ensure LGBTQ+ residents are included in city services and programs.

Law Enforcement: Enforcement of the law includes responsible reporting of hate crimes and engaging with the LGBTQ+ community in a thoughtful and respectful way.

Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality: This category measures the city leadership's commitment to fully include the LGBTQ+ community and to advocate for full equality.

Detroit seeks to continue leading the way in establishing policies that ensure the fair treatment of LGBTQ+ residents.

About Human Rights Campaign:
The Human Rights Campaign has spent 40 years creating the most powerful movement for equality the country has ever seen. But despite this progress, their most marginalized are still suffering from violence, discrimination, and fear. The goal is to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people, and particularly those who are trans, people of color and HIV+, are treated as full and equal citizens within our movement, across our country and around the world.