Briskman and Glass highlight strong score on Municipal Equality Index

Loudoun County has earned a score of 81 out of 100 on the 2024 Municipal Equality Index, a national assessment conducted by the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that has long championed the rights of the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, education, and research.

A report on the score and recommended actions is to be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors at its Business Meeting on April 1.

The MEI reviews local governments’ inclusiveness and highlights specific opportunities for continued progress. This review comes as a result of the Board of Supervisors in June 2024 approving the LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Review, a Board Member Initiative sponsored by Loudoun County Supervisors Juli Briskman and Sylvia Glass.

Loudoun County achieved a perfect 30 out of 30 for Non-Discrimination Laws, thanks to robust statewide protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Additionally, the county secured 22 out of 28 points for workplace policies, reflecting its inclusive hiring practices and healthcare benefits.

“Loudoun County’s score in the Municipal Equality Index is a reflection of the progress we have made to foster a more inclusive and welcoming community,” said Briskman, who represents the Algonkian District. “With this score from the Municipal Equality Index in hand, Loudoun County is poised to build on its successes, address existing gaps, and continue enhancing protections and services for those who live, work, and play in our county.”

“Our county is doing very well when it comes to supporting our residents, and I am continually proud of what we do in Loudoun,” added Glass, who represents the Broad Run District. “However, the MEI showed there are changes we can make to our services, and I know the Board will work with county staff to diligently address those enhancements.”

The MEI pinpointed areas where the county can improve. Notably, Loudoun County remains the only major jurisdiction in Northern Virginia without a Human Rights Commission or Human Rights Office. Under the Board’s direction, county staff has initiated steps to establish a commission as part of its 2024 – 2027 Strategic Initiatives. Once in place, it will serve as a key resource for residents facing discrimination by handling complaints related to employment, housing, and public accommodations; providing guidance on civil rights issues; and coordinating with legal authorities to promote adherence to non-discrimination policies.

In addition, the MEI highlighted that the county’s existing Procurement Resolution should be updated to require that any business the county contracts with for goods or services has an employee non-discrimination policy that expressly covers sexual orientation and gender identity.

The MEI further recommends enhancing services for LGBTQ+ youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and older adults. Although the county already offers a wide range of programs for these groups, incorporating an equity lens that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ residents—such as discrimination, social isolation, and distinct mental health needs—will better address their specific needs.

Work to enhance support for the LGBTQ+ community in Loudoun County will continue as the Board of Supervisors evaluates its score and reviews potential long-term policy changes.