For the third year in a row, the City of Ferndale has received a perfect score for inclusive policies by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Equality Federation Institute – one of four cities in Michigan to do so.

The two foundations have developed the Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which ranks cities across the United States by examining how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of the 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 the City leadership’s public position on equality.

Ferndale has now received perfect stores for 2018, 2019, and 2020 –an improvement from the 94 overall score received in 2017. This reflects the continuous review of policies to move the City forward as a welcoming community for all people.

This project was streamlined by Michael Lary, the City Manager’s LGBTQ Liaison for the Municipal Equality Index. “As an openly gay man who participated in the MEI initiative, on behalf of the City of Ferndale, it is an honor to be part of the forward-thinking that benefits everyone who lives, works, and visits our community,” Lary said.

Ferndale received bonus points in multiple categories for providing the following services and benefits not currently accessible in all cities:

     ·  Protects Youth from Conversion Therapy

     ·  City Provides Services to LGBTQ Youth

     ·  City Provides Services to LGBTQ People Experiencing Homelessness

     ·  City Provides Services to LGBTQ Older Adults

     ·  City Provides Services to the Transgender Community

     ·  Openly LGBTQ Elected or Appointed Leaders

To view the full MEI Scorecard, please click here.