Las Cruces is a diverse and welcoming community. The City’s LGBTQ Liaison serves as an accessible and friendly ear to the LGBTQ community and elevates LGBTQ-related concerns to the City Manager and other City officials.
Resources
- Human Rights Campaign in New Mexico
- Human Rights Campaign Website
- Frequently Asked Questions – Human Rights Campaign
2024 MEI Index
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.
The City of Las Cruces has achieved a score of 96 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which evaluates the inclusivity of municipal laws, policies, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals.
This score includes 85 points for performance in key categories and an additional 11 Flex Points, awarded for exceeding baseline standards. The detailed breakdown is as follows:
- Non-Discrimination Laws: 30/30
The City has strong protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. (+4 Flex Points) - Municipality as Employer: 22/28
Inclusive workplace policies and benefits are available to all LGBTQ+ employees. (+1 Flex Point) - Municipal Services: 5/12
The City provides essential services that support LGBTQ+ residents. (+4 Flex Points) - Law Enforcement: 22/22
The Las Cruces Police Department ensures fair treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and has a dedicated LGBTQ+ liaison. - Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality: 6/8
City leaders advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. (+2 Flex Points)
The Municipal Equality Index evaluates over 500 cities nationwide to assess how well local governments are promoting inclusivity and protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
For more information, visit the Human Rights Campaign’s website at www.hrc.org/MEI.
