The state of New Jersey is proud to welcome people from all walks of life and is known for being modern and diverse. We need to know which place in the Garden State is the most LGBTQ-friendly. A new study from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation says that the answer is Jersey City.
What the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Does
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the biggest national group fighting for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ people. It does research, teaches, and reaches out to LGBTQ communities across the country to support equality and acceptance.
The Impressive Score for Jersey City
The foundation recently announced its 11th annual Municipal Equality Index on November 30, 2022. It looked at 506 U.S. cities based on 49 factors related to LGBTQ problems in city government, nondiscrimination laws, municipal services, and law enforcement. Jersey City got a perfect score of 100 out of 100 points, making it the only city in New Jersey and one of only 120 places in the country to do so.
Things That Make Jersey City a Friendly Place for LGBTQ People
For a long time, Jersey City has made it a point to support and celebrate its LGBTQ residents and tourists. The city has passed strict anti-discrimination laws, put in place an LGBTQ liaison in both the mayor’s office and the police department, and given city workers more health benefits and the ability to register their domestic partners.
Jersey City is a welcoming place for LGBTQ people all year long, with annual Pride festivals, ceremonies where rainbow flags are raised, and many other cultural and social events.
A Look at How This City Compares to Other New Jersey Cities
Jersey City is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in New Jersey, but it’s not the only one. The state has a higher average score than the country as a whole, at 86 out of 100.
Five more New Jersey cities got perfect scores: Hoboken, Lambertville, Montclair, Princeton, and Ocean Grove. Along with other towns, Asbury Park, Cape May, Collingswood, Elizabeth, New Brunswick, Newark, Paterson, and Trenton all got high marks that stood out.
Conclusion
Jersey City is pleased to be the most LGBTQ-friendly city in New Jersey, with a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index. The city’s dedication to LGBTQ rights is shown in anti-discrimination legislation, designated LGBTQ liaisons, and inclusive policies for public employees. While other New Jersey communities obtain good marks, Jersey City stands out as a symbol of inclusiveness and celebration for the LGBTQ community.