The City of Irvine, for the second consecutive year, earned a perfect score of 100 – and nine bonus points – on the 2023 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) rating system based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and the City leadership's public position on equality.
The 2023 MEI examined 506 cities and is used as a benchmarking tool to understand the extent to which cities have embraced LGBTQ+ inclusivity within their laws, policies, and services. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
“The fact that the City of Irvine has received a perfect score for the second year is a testament to the work being done within our organization and in collaboration with our community,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “I am honored that the City has once again accomplished this achievement and look forward to even more opportunities to serve the City’s diverse residents in inclusive and equitable ways.”
Irvine received nine bonus points in the following MEI categories, including:
- Non-Discrimination Laws: 30 out of 30 points, plus four bonus points (two for single-occupancy all-gender facilities; two for youth protection from conversion therapy).
- Municipality as an Employer: 28 out of 28 points, plus one bonus point for City employee Domestic partner benefits.
- Municipal Services: 12 out of 12 points, plus four bonus points (two for City services to LGBTQ+ youth; two for City services to people living with HIV or AIDS.
The full 2023 MEI report is available at hrc.org/mei.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans. The 2022 MEI boasted the largest number of top-scoring cities in its history, the highest overall average, and growth in every region of the country.
For more information about the City of Irvine’s programs and initiatives to promote unity, inclusivity, and diversity, please visit weareirvine.org.