The City of Tempe was honored by the Human Rights Campaign for its perfect score of 100 in the 2021 Municipal Equality Index (MEI). The MEI measures inclusive policies for the LGBTQ community.
The City of Tempe has earned a perfect score of 100 since 2014.
The MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on nondiscrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and the city leadership’s public position on equality.
“Equality is a central value to all who live and work in our city. We are proud to have achieved a perfect score on the MEI consistently since 2014,” said Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “The Tempe City Council looks forward to continuing to advance equality in every service, program and policy to ensure we are a welcoming city to all.”
The 2021 MEI analyzed 506 American cities. There were 110 cities that scored 100 points. The national average was 67 points. These were both record high scores for the report. One reason for the increased scores: more cities than ever offer their employees transgender in exclusive health care benefits, which Tempe has done for years.
While the total score available is 100, Tempe also earned nine bonus points for its domestic partner benefits program, for providing services for LGBTQ youth and homeless people as well as for those living with HIV/AIDS. Points also were awarded for LGBTQ leadership in Tempe.
Read the report and see city scores at hrc.org/mei.
