Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This morning, Anchorage woke up to snow on the ground and a new equal rights ordinance. Both events are exciting in their own way. The ordinance the Assembly passed late last night makes it illegal to discriminate over sexual orientation or gender identity. Supported by our business community, this ordinance is one of the many reasons Anchorage is such a great place to live, work, and play!

Equal Rights Ordinance

Late last night, the Anchorage Assembly voted 9-2 to make it illegal to discriminate over sexual orientation or gender identity. The ordinance adds protections 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 Assembly confirmed that all of our First Amendment rights remain fully protected.

Among the many individuals and groups that testified before the Assembly, the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation wrote a letter in support of the ordinance. Their letter reflects the consensus that has developed among Anchorage business leaders—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—in support of equal rights for all in Anchorage. LINK.

I am pleased with the Assembly’s decision to pass the ordinance and Mayor Berkowitz’s support for the ordinance. As Acting Mayor of Anchorage, in 2009, I introduced legislation to change Anchorage’s anti-discrimination laws to protect for sexual orientation. While the mayor later vetoed that ordinance in 2009, changes have occurred across the nation that reflect changing community values. The ordinance that passed the Assembly last night is a step forward for Anchorage and makes the city a better place to live, work, and play.

Now that the equal rights ordinance has passed, there is already talk of a potential ballot initiative that may try to repeal this ordinance that has support throughout our community. In considering the possibility of another divisive ballot measure about equal rights, I am reminded of some of Pope Francis’ recent remarks to Congress, including a portion of his prepared remarks that literally fell off the podium:

“We are asked to summon the courage and the intelligence to resolve today’s many geopolitical and economic crises. … Our efforts must aim at restoring hope, righting wrongs, maintaining commitments, and thus promoting the well-being of individuals and of peoples. We must move forward together, as one, in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity, cooperating generously for the common good. … All political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity.”

Considering the remarks of Pope Francis, I am optimistic that Anchorage move forward without a ballot initiative. I look forward to anti-discrimination legislation on the statewide level in the Legislature. Currently, there are three bills, House Bill 19, House Bill 42, and Senate Bill 20 that address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. 

Debate on Discrimination and Religious Freedom

For more information about the debate, click here.

Join other community members tonight at 5:30pm at Bear Tooth for a debate focusing on religious freedom and discrimination. The event is co-sponsored by University of Alaska debate team and the Alaska Dispatch News.

Turnagain Community Council Picnic

Community members at Sisterhood Park for the Turnagain Community Council picnic. Thanks to Jonathan for working the grill!

Rep. Claman chatting with community members at the Turnagain Community Council picnic.

Rep. Claman speaking with a neighbor at the Turnagain Community Council picnic.

Community Events and Opportunities

The West High Art Project First Friday Art Walk is October 2nd from 5-10pm at the Hotel Captain Cook.

Don’t miss the State Cross Country Championships this weekend at Bartlett High School!

As always, please let us know if you have suggestions or concerns.

Sincerely,

    Rep. Matt Claman

    P.S. follow me on Facebook and Twitter

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