Override of Anchorage Veto Unlikely

Assembly got it right; mayor got it wrong
COMPASS: Other points of view

By GLENN CRAVEZ

Every now and then an issue comes up that addresses our fundamental rights as citizens. The so-called gay rights ordinance, approved by the Assembly 7-4 and vetoed by Mayor Sullivan, is one such issue.

The ordinance, if approved, would prohibit discrimination in jobs and housing based on sexual orientation, much the same way that discrimination is prohibited based on race, gender, age and religion. The ordinance carved out an exception for religious organizations -- that is, if a church such as Dr. Jerry Prevo's chooses to discriminate against gays, it would have the right to do so under the ordinance vetoed by Mayor Dan Sullivan.

The Assembly sat through many hours of public testimony before adopting the ordinance. Many who spoke against the ordinance did so out of fear, perhaps not realizing how many communities across the country have adopted similar ordinances without bringing on calamitous consequences.

Those who spoke against the ordinance are vocal, but they are a minority in this community. Once you get past the fear-mongering, most people in this community oppose discriminating in jobs and housing against anyone -- whether based on race, religion, gender, age and, yes, sexual orientation.

The mayor defends his veto by saying that he's not aware of any need for the ordinance. If that is so, then why all the fuss about the ordinance in the first place? If everyone agrees that gays shouldn't be discriminated against at work or in finding housing, why not put it in our municipal books?

In reading the will of the people, the Assembly got it right, and the mayor got it wrong. The mayor had the chance, with the stroke of his pen, to confirm Anchorage's place in this country as a growing, progressive city in which to live, work and do business. Much like Atlanta during the civil rights era, Anchorage could be a city "too busy to hate." But instead of courage and vision, we got a veto and myopia.

It's not too late for Anchorage to get it right. The Assembly can override the veto. What's required is courage by eight on the Assembly. Last time, seven showed that courage: Patrick Flynn, Matt Claman, Harriet Drummond, Elvi Gray-Jackson, Sheila Selkregg, Mike Gutierrez and Jennifer Johnston.

To override the veto, those seven will need to show that courage once more, and one more member of the Assembly will need to join them. Frankly, there will be a political price to pay no matter which way these folks vote. They will incur the wrath of Dr. Prevo and his followers, or they will incur the wrath of many in the community, like me, who will refuse to allow Anchorage to devolve into a backwater that tolerates legal discrimination against any of its residents.

So, Dan Coffey, Debbie Ossiander, Chris Birch and Bill Starr: This vote is about far more than the next election -- which side of history do you choose to be on?