The Anchorage assembly passed an ordinance that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity by a 7-4 vote on Tuesday, reports the Anchorage Daily News. However, inability to reach the eight-vote supermajority means that Anchorage mayor Dan Sullivan, who has not yet revealed his intentions, will have seven days to decide whether or not to veto the ordinance.
Long the subject of controversy in Anchorage, the ordinance bans discrimination against LGBT people in employment, credit, public accommodations, and housing. It passed in compromise form with exemptions for churches and other religious organizations, which will be allowed to choose employees according to their religious beliefs. Another exemption allows employers to maintain restrooms segregated by gender, in response to opponents who voiced fears about unisex facilities.
The hour-long, emotional debate in the assembly was the culmination of the latest conversation about the ordinance, which began June 9. The first gay rights ordinance passed the Anchorage assembly in 1976. It was vetoed by then-mayor George Sullivan, the father of the current mayor.
No comments:
Post a Comment