Anti-discrimination Law Passed in Alaska
(Photo: Kenan Institute for Ethics)
On Tuesday night, the Anchorage Assembly passed a law making it illegal to discriminate against somebody on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The first of its kind in Alaska, the law will become effective once it is signed by Assembly Chair Dick Traini.
Devin Kelly of Alaska Dispatch News says, "The ordinance adds protection to Anchorage equal rights laws for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people in housing, employment and public accommodations and includes exemptions for religious groups and those with ministerial duties."
The new civil rights law has been praised by Alaskans Together for Equality, the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska, the Pride Foundation, and the Human Rights Campaign.
A joint statement from the organizations said, "With today's passage of a strong and fair nondiscrimination ordinance through the Anchorage Assembly, we have taken yet another step toward living up to the Alaskan values of fairness and treating others as we would want to be treated. We have joined the vanguard of over 200 cities that say you should not be fired or lose your home simply based on who you are or whom you love."
