City of Erie Earns 100 on Human Rights Campaign’s2024 Municipal Equality Index

City of Erie Earns 100 on Human Rights Campaign's2024 Municipal Equality Index

Demonstrating a continual commitment to equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the City of Erie has earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for the third year in a row. The MEI is a nationwide evaluation of 506 cities that examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people who live and work there.

Mayor Joe Schember said, "The City of Erie is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion which are key drivers of economic growth, serving to attract residents, visitors, and businesses who place a high value on inclusivity. We are focused on what matters: building community, growing the economy, and taking care of each other. Diversity is one of Erie's greatest strengths. When everyone feels supported, welcomed, and valued for their unique skills, perspectives, and talents, this empowers people to thrive and contribute to our sense of community. Our policies and practices continue to help us achieve this perfect score, and this is one of the ways in which we strive to make Erie an inclusive place to live, work, play, and raise a family. I am grateful to the LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, who helped us reach this milestone, for their guidance and dedication."

Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

Since Mayor Schember took office in 2018, the City of Erie has concentrated on implementing non-discrimination policies to eliminate prejudice and make Erie a welcoming and supportive community for all LGBTQ+ people.

To learn more about the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council and the Municipal Equality Index, please visit LGBTQ+ Council - Erie, PA.

For more information about the Municipal Equality Index, please visit www.hrc.org/MEI.