ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that Columbia has, once again, scored a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) scorecard. The MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
Since 2021, Columbia has consistently received a perfect score on the MEI, underscoring our efforts to keep our promise that Howard County is a welcoming place for all. I want to thank our Office of Human Rights and Equity for their advocacy in helping our LGBTQ+ neighbors feel included, respected and heard. We are proud to be home to one of the most inclusive cities in the nation, and we will continue to make Columbia a model example for the nation.
This year, a record-breaking 130 cities, or over 25 percent of all MEI-rated cities, earned the highest score of 100, while 76 cities earned over 85 points despite hailing from a state without non-discrimination statutes that explicitly protect sexual orientation and gender identity. HRC rates a total of 506 cities on 49 different criteria from every state in the nation.
Cities are rated across five categories: non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality. You can see how Columbia rated here.
In October 2022, Ball established the LGBTQIA+ Commission to do the much-needed work of equity, inclusion, communication, understanding and respect for all gender and sexual identities. This commission advances policy and systemic change for all persons who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The commission meets bi-monthly, and is housed under the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity.
Columbia’s perfect score on the Municipal Equality Index reflects the strength of our values and the dedication of our LGBTQIA Commission. Their leadership, advocacy, and commitment to equity play a central role in this achievement. The Office of Human Rights and Equity is proud to stand with them and to deepen our continued partnership and commitment to their mission. Together we will keep advancing the work that ensures every LGBTQIA resident in Howard County feels protected, valued, and seen.
Howard County Public Schools hosts a Pride Prom each year, open to any HCPSS student who identifies as an ally to or part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This prom allows young people to safely enjoy the prom experience in an environment that is safe and inclusive. In 2019, Howard County hosted the County’s very first Pride festival. In addition, Ball raised the Pride flag for the first time in the County’s seat in 2023 and has done so every year since. Most recently, the County celebrated its 6th annual Howard County Pride Festival at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in October.
To learn more about the HRC and the MEI, visit www.hrc.org/mei.