For the fourth consecutive year, the City of Covington has achieved a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI). The MEI is a national assessment that evaluates how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are for LGBTQ+ residents, workers, and visitors.
The index, now in its fourteenth year, reviews 506 cities across the United States using 49 criteria. These include non-discrimination laws, employment practices within the municipality, municipal services provided to residents, law enforcement practices related to LGBTQ+ inclusion, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. The MEI is recognized as the only comprehensive nationwide assessment focused on LGBTQ+ inclusion at the municipal level.
Covington’s ongoing achievement reflects its stated commitment to welcoming all individuals regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. “Covington’s perfect score on the MEI is a testament to who we are as a community,” City Manager Sharmili Reddy said. “We lead with inclusion, we act with purpose, and we make sure every person has a place here. I’m incredibly proud of our staff and our residents, whose commitment to fairness and equality makes this recognition possible year after year.”
The city’s detailed MEI scorecard can be accessed online for those interested in reviewing the specific metrics behind Covington’s rating.
City officials state they remain dedicated to maintaining and enhancing policies that support dignity, equity, and opportunity for everyone living in Covington.
