New Brunswick Scores Above Average In LGBTQ Equality

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ-- New Brunswick is above-average when it comes to LGBTQ equality, according to a new report by the Human Rights Campaign. The city racked up 65 points out of a total of 100, based on a variety of factors.

New Brunswick's 65 points is ten above the national average of 55, but seven points below the New Jersey average of 72.

This score is not unusual for New Brunswick. The city scored 65 in 2015, and 69 in 2014. Rutgers, whose main campus is in the city, is known for being particularly friendly to the LGBTQ community (it scored a perfect 5 on the Campus Pride Index, a college campus ranking).

High rankings in non-discrimination ordinances for employees and a strong history of reporting hate crimes offset a lack of elected, openly LGBTQ government officials.

Two New Jersey towns were either perfect or near perfect: Lambertville scored 98, and Jersey City was perfect with a score of 100. Only one city was below the national average: Hoboken, with 51.

Scores were based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and overall relationship to the LGBTQ community. Points were awarded separately for gender identity and sexual identity, and added together at the end.

Image via Shutterstock