An initiative application that seeks to give legal protection for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in issues of employment, housing and public businesses was filed yesterday with the Anchorage municipal clerk. The initiative is the second time the issue of equality for the LGBT community has been raised in the city. In 2009, the Anchorage Assembly passed a similar ordinance, but Mayor Dan Sullivan vetoed it.
Trevor Storrs is the a spokesperson for One Anchorage, the group that is working to get the proposal before voters as a ballot initiative in 2012. He says once they get clearance from the municipality, they’ll need to gather at least 5600 signatures.
Storrs says Alaska has a live and let live attitude but there is still discrimination.
The Municipal Clerk’s office has 10 days to review and approve the application and issue petition booklets. Supporters will then have 90 days to collect the needed signatures to get the issue before voters in 2012.
RELATED:
- Mayor strikes down anti-discrimination ordinance (18 Aug 2009)
- Some Anchorage Businesses Taking Steps to Avoid Discrimination (30 June 2009)
- Anti-discrimination hearing testimony dominates assembly meeting (10 June 2009)
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