New York City received yet another top score – 100 out of 100 points – for LGBT inclusivity by the Human Rights Campaign this week. The group issued its annual Municipal Equality Index, which examines the laws, policies and services of municipalities and rates them on the basis of their inclusivity of LGBT people who live and work there. New York City has received 100 points every year since the index was first published in 2012.

"The fight for LGBT equality started in New York City and I'm proud that we continue to carry the torch for equality," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "New York City has long been home to the country's largest and most diverse population, and we're proud our City's policies continue to reflect the equality that LGBT communities fought so tirelessly for. The City will continue to work toward equality for all people who call this great city home, because we know the fight is far from over."

"New York City has one of the strongest Human Rights Laws in the country," said New York City Human Rights Commissioner Carmelyn P. Malalis. "I am proud to chair on the Commission that protects the rights of LGBT people and many others so that every New Yorker can live equally, free of discrimination, and with the respect and dignity they deserve."

Some of the scores the City received include:

• 30 out of 30 in the Non-Discrimination Laws category, which evaluates whether discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations. Both sexual orientation and gender Identification have been protected under the City's Human Rights Law since 2002.
• 22 out of 22 in the Law Enforcement category, which indicates fair enforcement of the law, responsible reporting of hate crimes and engagement with the LGBT community in a thoughtful and respectful way.
• 16 out of 16 in the Municipal Services category, which assesses the efforts of the City to ensure LGBT constituents are included in City services and programs.
• 8 out of 8 in the "Relationship with the LGBT Community" category, which measures the City leadership's commitment to fully include the LGBT community and to advocate for full equality.

The 2015 Municipal Equality Index rated a total of 408 cities from every state in the nation, which is an increase of more than 55 cities rated in 2014.

See New York City's 2015 scorecard here.

Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. said, "This analysis of U.S. cities' LGBT inclusivity is important work by the Human Rights Campaign and I'm relieved that NYC remains a top scorer. That's as it should be. I hope to see this spirit of inclusivity flow to ever block in every borough of our city, until LGBT diversity is universally respected, and hate crimes, which continue to endanger transgender women of color, in particular, are a thing of the past."

"The NYC Department of Education now has a LGBT liaison working to make our schools a more inclusive place in which to teach and learn," said Council Member Daniel Dromm, Chair of the Committee on Education and an out gay man. "In every way, New York City is moving to make LGBT people, both young and old, feel welcome and an equal part of society. While we recognize we have a way to go toward full inclusivity, I am proud of the progress our city has made. It's truly pioneering!"

"New York City is a beacon of diversity and freedom, setting an example for municipalities around the world," said Council Member Corey Johnson. "While we certainly have more progress to make, I'm proud of how far we've come in recent years. This progress is due to the many advocates who have worked tirelessly to ensure equal protections for the LGBT community. I'm proud that my bill to allow transgender New Yorkers to correct the gender on their birth certificates has helped make our City even more responsive to the needs of all members of our community. My hope is that we can export our model policies to other cities so that they too may achieve a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Index. I want to congratulate Mayor Bill de Blasio and Human Rights Commissioner Carmelyn P. Malalis on this recognition."

"It is with great excitement that we accept this recognition from the Human Rights Campaign because we've worked incredibly hard to make our City accessible and livable for all New Yorkers – but our work is far from done. Our homeless youth, our trans-women of color, and our LGBT immigrants are relying on us to continue pushing forward to deliver justice for every person, in every corner of our great city," said Council Member Carlos Menchaca.

"As a second generation New Yorker, I have seen this city take great strides forward in being open and welcoming to all who live here, and as former chair of the City Council's Civil Rights Committee, I am proud to have one of the strongest Human Rights Laws in the nation," said Council Member Debi Rose. "The Human Rights Campaign's annual ranking confirms to the rest of the country that we remain a leader in the fight against discrimination of all kinds, and we have every right to be proud of this designation as a testament to our values. Amid vocal intolerance in our country, I am committed to ensuring that New York City continues to affirm the inherent dignity of all human beings, period."

"New York City has always been a melting pot of different ethnicities, sexualities, and ideas and that is reflected in our laws and policies. Receiving the top score on the HRC Municipal Equality Index proves that NYC continues to be at the forefront of passing progressive laws and ensuring LGBT people are treated equally and with respect. We're proud that our laws reflect our values and ambitions," said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

"I am proud to be one of six openly gay members of the New York City Council and proud to fight for real equality for all," said Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer. "New York City has long been a beacon to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities around the nation. At a time when basic civil rights ordinances are under threat in other major American cities, New York City continues its tradition of not just defending the rights of its LGBT residents but ensuring that City services are inclusive of each community's distinct needs."