Anchorage Equal Rights for Gays and Transgenders Ordinance is Ramping Up

People on both sides of the issue say there's unfair discrimination going on

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By Bill McAllister
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Story Created: Feb 14, 2012 at 8:08 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 14, 2012 at 8:16 PM AKDT

The campaign over the initiative to include members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the city's equal rights ordinance is ramping up.

There's a new endorsement and a new group forming.

People on both sides of the issue say there's unfair discrimination going on.

The Alaska Public Employees Association (APEA) is throwing its weight behind the "One Anchorage" campaign, in favor of the gay rights initiative to offer protections in housing, employment and business.

"As part of the Alaska labor movement one of our hallmarks or tenets, of our beliefs, is fair and equitable treatment for all,” said APEA board member Duane Moran.

He said the tide of history continues to break down barriers to equal rights.

"We had a civil war, where there was an emancipation proclamation. You know, later in time, women were granted the right to vote. You know, that's something we take for granted now, but that's not always been the case.”

But a group is forming to fight the initiative.

It's called Protect Your Rights.

And an organizer said it's about potential harassment of those who hold a traditional view of sexuality.

"Say a bed and breakfast owner that may have a room or half of their home downstairs would be required by the full force of the law to rent that place out to a same-sex couple, even though it may violate their religious beliefs to do so," said Jim Minnery of the Alaska Family Council.

Minnery said the initiative is simply not necessary in Anchorage because most businesses would not refuse to serve anyone because of sexual orientation.

"We think it's a very tolerant place, and that gays and lesbians actually have every opportunity that they do in any other part of the country, in fact, probably more so. We think Anchorage is a very tolerant community."

So while there might be one Anchorage, there are two ways of looking at it.

 

 

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Toby Sullivan said on Tuesday, Feb 14 at 10:18 PM

50 years ago some business owners in the Deep South believed they had a right to refuse service to people whose skin was darker than theirs. Everyone now understands that was wrong. Now some people in Anchorage say it is their right to refuse service to homosexuals. Someday, hopefully soon, everyone in Alaska will understand that this too is wrong and like refusing service to Africam Americans, it too should be illegal.

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Christopher Nelson said on Wednesday, Feb 15 at 12:26 AM

As long as gays dont go around trying to have gay sex with everyone, they should be treated equally.

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umm yeah said on Wednesday, Mar 28 at 8:50 PM

The LGBT people "should" be treated equally, it may not be viewed as need locally by those that are tolerant... but what about those that are not so evolved and understanding?

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