The City of Erie has once again achieved a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), marking the fourth consecutive year of this accomplishment. The MEI evaluates 506 cities nationwide on how inclusive their laws, policies, and services are for LGBTQ+ residents and workers.
The annual index rates cities on 49 criteria, including non-discrimination laws, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. Erie also earned nine bonus points for initiatives such as banning conversion therapy, implementing youth bullying prevention policies, and providing services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS—bringing its total to 109 points.
Erie’s progress has been significant since 2015, when the city scored 57. Under Mayor Joe Schember’s leadership, the city introduced non-discrimination policies and formed its first LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, steadily improving its score to 86 in 2021 and achieving its first perfect score in 2022.
“The City of Erie is committed to creating a welcoming environment,” said Mayor Schember. “Diversity is one of Erie’s greatest strengths. When everyone feels supported, welcomed, and valued, it empowers people to thrive and contribute to our sense of community.”
For more details on the 2025 MEI and Erie’s full scorecard, visit hrc.org/resources/municipal-equality-index. To learn more about the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council, visit erie.pa.us.