Providence received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2024 Municipal Equality Index. The MEI reports ratings on hundreds of cities throughout the U.S. on LGBTQ+ equality in the city’s policies, services and programs. This is the 11th year in a row in which Providence has earned a score of 100.
The HRC, a civil rights nonprofit, graded 506 cities in the 2024 MEI. These cities included all state capitals, the 200 largest U.S. cities and 75 cities with the highest proportions of same-sex couples.
Eight cities in R.I. were graded; Providence was the sole perfect score recipient in the state. In total, 130 cities throughout the country achieved a perfect score.
“The score highlights Providence’s ongoing commitment to ensuring it remains a welcoming, inclusive city that supports and advocates for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community,” wrote Anthony Vega, a spokesperson for Mayor Brett Smiley's office.
The MEI grades cities in five categories related to LGBTQ+ rights. It evaluates the city’s non-discrimination laws, LGBTQ+ employment protections, access to housing and LGBTQ+-related public services. It also assesses the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community by evaluating law enforcement responses to hate crimes.
The MEI also evaluates city leaders’ statements and actions — both symbolic and substantive — on LGBTQ+ issues and awards points if the city has a Human Rights Commission and an LGBTQ+ liaison, both of which should advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ residents.
The Index rewarded Providence for having equal employment-related benefits to domestic partners of city employees, regardless of gender, and for providing services to residents with HIV and AIDS.
In a press release announcing Providence’s perfect score, Smiley’s office noted that “while these areas have long been strengths for the city, they have now been officially recognized.”
Over the past decade, Providence has expanded its protection and recognition of LGBTQ+ residents. In 2015, the city extended healthcare coverage for its employees and retirees to cover several aspects of gender transition-related healthcare.
In 2016, the Providence School Board passed a policy to support transgender and gender-expansive students, which included allowing those students to use their preferred restroom and let gender identity and gender expression be considered when students participate in physical education.
Last year, the state passed a bill protecting same-sex couples who adopted children.
