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An ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation is again on the Anchorage Assembly agenda tonight with some last minute changes by the chairwoman, who is tweaking the controversial proposal to make it more palatable to both sides.
Assembly chairwoman Debbie Ossiander would not say Monday night what changes she plans in the newest version of the ordinance because she was still writing it. It will be the second rewrite of the proposed law, first introduced to the Assembly a month ago. Assembly members are also expecting more impassioned testimony like the outpouring they heard last week at the first public hearing when hundreds showed up, packing the Assembly chambers and standing their ground outside, waving signs against or in support of the ordinance. The ordinance bans discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals by adding "sexual orientation" to an anti-discrimination list that already includes race, color, religion, age and marital status. It specifies it is illegal to discriminate in employment, education, financing and housing. Jackie Buckley, spokeswoman for Equality Works, one of the groups behind the ordinance, will have escorts for those who want to testify, she said. Last week, people turned away because they were intimidated by opponents, she said. "Taunting people coming and going from a hearing, that's inexcusable." So many people signed up to speak that time ran out before all could be heard. The Assembly got through 88 of the 342 on the list. Tonight, they will continue with the list, and allow others to sign up for their own three minutes before city lawmakers. Ossiander said she does not want to deny people the right to speak. Public testimony is expected to begin about 7 p.m., after other business is concluded. With so many speakers, it is unlikely the Assembly will get through all of the testimony tonight. The meeting is expected to continue Wednesday, from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. And, then, if that runs over, it will continue Monday, Ossiander said. If the Assembly gets through the public testimony and votes in favor of the measure before June 23, it will likely become law. At that point, only the mayor can veto it. Acting Mayor Matt Claman, a Democrat, is not expected to do that -- he introduced it to the Assembly. But if the process is stalled past that date, Anchorage's Mayor-elect, Dan Sullivan, a Republican, could veto it when he takes office. "They want to keep talking until it's too late," said Assemblyman Mike Gutierrez, of East Anchorage. Sullivan's staff isn't saying what he would do, if that comes to pass. "We're letting Anchorage have one mayor at a time," said transition office manager Casey Reynolds. Sullivan's father, George Sullivan, was Anchorage mayor in 1976 when the issue was before the Assembly. He vetoed it after Assembly approval. Many are assuming because George Sullivan was against it, Dan Sullivan will be too. But Reynolds said, "I don't know that is fair to make any assumption on any one issue based on what his father did." The ordinance is supported by groups including the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska, the Anchorage Urban League, the League of Women Voters, and gay rights organizations. It is being opposed by some conservative religious leaders, such as Rev. Jerry Prevo, of the Anchorage Baptist Temple. He has a long history of opposing gay rights and vehemently opposed the law back in 1976. In early June, Claman modified the ordinance to address some of the concerns Prevo was airing publicly, such as men dressing as women entering female restrooms. Because former Assemblyman Claman is acting mayor, only 10 Assembly members can vote on it. Six votes are needed to pass it. On Monday afternoon, three of the five Assembly members asked said they were leaning in favor of it. One said he was leaning against it, and Ossiander wouldn't say. Gutierrez was originally in favor of the ordinance but said he was concerned about some of the recent changes that may alter protections in the existing law. Assemblywoman Harriet Drummond, West Anchorage, said she's leaning toward supporting it. She's heard from more of her constituents on this issue than on any previous issue in the year she's been on the Assembly. More often, they are telling her to vote yes, she said. Assemblyman Patrick Flynn, downtown, said he's favoring it but wants to see how the ordinance ultimately reads. Assemblyman Chris Birch, South Anchorage, says he is leaning towards rejecting the measure. He doesn't think he's seen any compelling evidence that sexual orientation discrimination is occurring in Anchorage. He also objects to a political maneuver to rush the ordinance through, saying the community is so impassioned about it that it should be further explored.