City of St. Petersburg Earns Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index for Tenth Year in a Row

November 17, 2023 - For the tenth consecutive year, the City of St. Petersburg has scored a perfect 106, with six bonus points, out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI) - the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law, policy, and services. The 2023 MEI evaluates 506 cities on how inclusive cities' laws, policies, and services are for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people.

“Achieving a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index for ten consecutive years is a source of pride for all of St. Petersburg. Not only does this accomplishment demonstrate our commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment for our LGBTQ+ community, but it shows that we embrace and affirm all residents, ensuring that our city remains a welcoming haven for everyone," said St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "I’m grateful to the Human Rights Campaign and the City’s LGBTQ+ Liaison, Jim Nixon, for their continuous dedication to uplifting and providing support for the LGBTQ+ community, even in the face of challenges. Together, we will continue fostering a city that celebrates diversity and works toward true inclusion for all.”

Said LGBTQ Liaison Jim Nixon, "We have long presented St. Petersburg as a safe and welcoming destination. Mayor Welch continues to pass robust nondiscrimination policies and support services for the LGBTQ+ community and trans youth. For ten years in a row, we have earned a perfect score on the HRC's Municipal Equality Index, but we have not rested on our past scores. This year, we passed an administrative policy that all single-use restrooms in City facilities be designated All-Gender. Outside Magazine recently named St. Petersburg ‘One of the 15 Happiest Places to Live in the U.S.’ It is about livability, and the Human Rights Campaign recognizes it."

For more information on the HRC's MEI, visit www.hrc.org/mei.

For more information on the City's LGBTQ commitment, visit www.stpete.org/lgbt.