Urge Anchorage Mayor to Sign Discrimination Ordinance

After months of grueling debate on both sides of the gay rights battle, the Anchorage Alaska Assembly announced that the ordinance #64 to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation passed by a vote of 7 to 4.

The vote is one short of a super-majority that could override a possible mayoral veto. The mayor has one week to weigh in and decide whether to veto the ordinance.

Mayor Dan Sullivan has yet to comment on the decision, please urge him to sign the ordinance into law.

Email: Mayoraltransitionteam@muni.org

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mayorsullivan

Phone: 907-243-0071

Anti-gay Alaska Senator Ted Stevens Loses Seat

In a closely contested race the AP is now reporting that Mark Begich (D) has defeated incumbent Senator Ted Stevens (R) of Alaska. Senator Ted Stevens has received a zero rating from the Human Rights Campaign indicating an anti-LGBT voting record.

While Mark Begich's views are not as well known on the issue of gay rights, early indications appear positive. He has appeared at the Anchorage Pride Parade and read the city proclamation marking the third Saturday in June as Gay Pride Day. He attended Pride Fest every year since becoming mayor. He has also come out on the record saying it is wrong to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

Senator Ted Stevens losing is a great way forward for LGBT rights, regardless of his replacement, but it appears we have a friend in Mark Begich.