Anchorage Assembly Passes LGBT Rights to Anti-Discrimination Laws

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Anchorage Assembly has passed an ordinance making it illegal in the city to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Alaska Dispatch News reports that the new local civil rights ordinance takes effect immediately after the assembly voted 9-2 in favor of the change on Tuesday.

Mayor Ethan Berkowitz says he does not plan to veto the measure.

The vote comes after a lengthy debate balancing exemptions for religious groups and protections for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people in housing, employment and public accommodations.

The Assembly heard public testimony on the ordinance earlier this month, which prompted emotional responses from both sides of the issue. Assembly member Bill Starr says the Assembly received about 500 emails over the weekend on the ordinance.