Photos: Gay rights ordinance hearing in Anchorage

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People pack the chamber in anticipation of a hearing on a gay rights ordinance at an Anchorage Assembly meeting held Tuesday evening, September 15, 2015, at Loussac Library. Late arrivals were directed to the Wilda Marston Theater to watch via video.

Testimony on a proposed ordinance to ban discrimination in Anchorage on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity was stretching into the night Tuesday.

Of nearly 30 people who had testified as of 8:30 p.m., more than 20 had spoken in favor of a compromise ordinance proposed by Assembly members Bill Evans and Patrick Flynn. Several were transgender men and women said they had been denied housing or evicted based on their gender identity.

Leaders of multiple Anchorage religious congregations also voiced support for the ordinance, as did business owners and an influential local business group that tracks Anchorage's economic growth. Bill Popp, president and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corp., said his organization's board had unanimously voted Tuesday morning to support the measure.

Those who spoke out against the measure cited religious belief. Shirley Smith, 63, approached the podium with a Bible in the crook of her arm. She chided Assembly members for revisiting an issue that was rejected by Anchorage voters in 2012.

A large group wore red to show opposition. In a Facebook post on Monday, Rev. Jerry Prevo, pastor at Anchorage Baptist Temple, called the ordinance an "outright attack on Christianity, Christian organizations, churches, and religious schools," in all capital letters, and instructed those who were against it to wear red.

Glenn Clary, assistant pastor at the Anchorage Baptist Temple, distributed suggested language to the Assembly that would add more protections for religious individuals and institutions. He said that if the ordinance passes, the organization would next consider a ballot measure to repeal it, or a state law to include religious protections.

Assembly Chair Dick Traini said testimony will continue at 5 p.m. Wednesday if needed.

Read more: History repeats as Anchorage again debates gay-rights ordinances