MAYOR BHALLA ANNOUNCES 100% RATING FROM HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOR HOBOKEN’S LGBTQ+ POLICIES

Caption: Mayor Bhalla and the City of Hoboken celebrating Pride Month in 2019 with LGBTQ+ crosswalks

(high definition photo attached)

For the third year in a row, Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla announced the City of Hoboken received a perfect 100% rating from the Human Right’s Campaign’s (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI), an annual examination of policies relating to LGBTQ+ laws and cities in over 500 municipalities across the United States. Hoboken is one of three municipalities in New Jersey, and one of 94 cities across the country to earn a 100% rating from HRC.

“Even though we’re in the middle of a national pandemic, we still are focused on the values that make Hoboken the inclusive place it is today,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “I’m proud that Hoboken continues to serve as a national model for lifting up members of our LGBTQ+ community, as one of just three cities in New Jersey to achieve a perfect score. I’m appreciative to the many trailblazers who have helped us achieve this distinction, as we continue to tirelessly protect the rights of all of our LGBTQ+ residents in the years to come.”

“Hoboken has shown a commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment for our LGBTQ+ residents,” said Elizabeth Schedl, Executive Director of Hudson Pride Center. “Hudson Pride Center is proud to partner with the city to ensure that the needs of our community are being met. We once again celebrate and congratulate the city of Hoboken on another year with a perfect rating from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index!”

“Here we are, even in 2020, Hoboken continues to strive for more Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, within our local community,” said Laura Knittel, the City of Hoboken’s LGBTQ+ liaison. “We have once again scored high marks with the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index! Thank you to our local leaders, constituents, community organizers, activists and all LGBTQ+ people, here and abroad. Given the good news, let’s not forget this Holiday season, how many LGBTQ+ teens and adults, here and around the world, who may be suffering, persecuted and sometimes even killed for who they love, and how they identify. There is still much work to be done.  And to all those reading, please know you are not alone, we’re here for you. With that said, please support our local Hudson Pride Center.”

Hoboken earned top scores from HRC for the City’s law enforcement policies which include reporting hate crime statistics to the FBI, the administration’s leadership on LGBTQ+ equality, non-discrimination protections covering employment, fair treatment of LGBTQ+ employees, and City healthcare benefits that are transgender-inclusive.

Click here for Hoboken’s announcement in 2018 regarding a perfect score from the HRC.