Montclair Earns Perfect Score of 100 on 2025 Municipal Equality Index
Published on December 29, 2025
Montclair Earns Perfect Score of 100 on Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index for 5th year in a row
Montclair, NJ — Montclair Township has once again earned the maximum score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), reaffirming the Township’s strong and ongoing commitment to advancing equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ residents, workers, and visitors.
The Municipal Equality Index evaluates more than 500 municipalities nationwide on how inclusive their laws, policies, and services are for the LGBTQ+ community. Montclair achieved a perfect score across all major categories assessed by the index, including non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality
Click here to see Montclair’s MEI Scorecard
The MEI serves as both a benchmarking tool and a roadmap for local governments, highlighting concrete steps municipalities can take to protect LGBTQ+ residents and employees while fostering safe, welcoming communities.
Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville praised the recognition, noting the sustained effort behind Montclair’s success.
“Montclair’s perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index reflects years of intentional, values-driven work to ensure our policies match our principles,” said Mayor Baskerville. “When I reviewed Montclair’s MEI score of 58 in 2018, it was clear that we needed to do more to fully live up to our values. As a Council member at the time, I was committed to strengthening our policies and practices to better support our LGBTQ+ community. This recognition affirms the progress we’ve made, but it also reminds us that equity is not static. We must remain vigilant and continue listening, learning, and acting to meet the needs of our diverse community.”
Deputy Mayor and Councilor-at-Large Susan Shin Andersen emphasized the importance of sustained leadership at the local level.
“Achieving a perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index is especially meaningful at a moment when LGBTQI+ rights are being threatened nationally and harmful policies are being proposed in many parts of the country,” said Deputy Mayor Andersen. “Local leadership matters. We have a responsibility to ensure that everyone in our community - including LGBTQI+ residents, their families, friends, and loved ones - feels protected, supported, and valued. Montclair remains steadfast in advancing inclusive policies and standing up for the rights, safety, and well-being of our entire community.”
Montclair’s score reflects a strong track record of LGBTQ+-inclusive policies and initiatives, including comprehensive non-discrimination protections, inclusive employment practices, the designation of an LGBTQ+ community liaison, support for all-gender restroom access, and engagement between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community. The Township also continues to support community organizations and events that celebrate LGBTQ+ visibility and belonging.
For more information about the MEI, visit the Human Rights Campaign Foundation at www.hrc.org/MEI.