All Anchorage residents should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our city.  No one should be arbitrarily fired from their job or prevented from renting an apartment. 

Sadly, in Anchorage it is still legal to discriminate against gay and transgender people in employment, housing, and public accommodation.  Gay Alaskans serve as police officers, firefighters, defend our nation in the military, work in our hospitals, and pay taxes.  All hard-working Alaskans should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for their families without fear of discrimination for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance.  An equal rights ordinance would simply ensure that all Alaskans, including gay and transgender people, are treated fairly and equally.

Equality Works applauds the Anchorage Assembly for passing an equal rights ordinance in an historic vote of 7 to 4 in the summer of 2009.  While we were disappointed by the mayor's decision to veto the ordinance, we are heartened by Assembly's support last summer, and will continue to work toward fairness and equality in Anchorage.