Public Outcry Kills Anchorage Gay Protections
An Anchorage, Alaska gay protections bill is likely doomed as public sentiment turns sour, the Anchorage Daily News reported. Hundreds of opponents appeared to testify against the bill at a Wednesday Anchorage Assembly hearing on the issue. The bill would protect gay men and lesbians from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and credit. An original draft included transgendered persons, but lawmakers cut out the provision amid loud protest. Opponents’ demands have resulted in three drafts of the ordinance, including one that turns the protections on their head. That version would allow discrimination based on sexual orientation, while protecting other classes. “The added language in the third version guts the intent and the integrity of the ordinance,” said Jackie Buckley, spokeswoman for EqualityWorks, the group that lobbied for the gay protections. But time is ticking as a new, unsympathetic mayor is about to be installed on July 1, Republican Mayor-elect Dan Sullivan. Sullivan, however, gains veto power over all ordinances seven days prior, on Wednesday. As people continued to pile in to testify against the bill – nearly 600 people have signed up and only 300 have been heard – Anchorage Assembly Chairwoman Debbie Ossiander said Friday she will continue to allow testimony. The extension is likely to make it impossible to approve the bill before Sullivan gains veto control. Acting Mayor Matt Claman, a Democrat, supports the measure.
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Original source : http://gay_blog.blogspot.com/2009/06/public-outcry…
Vermont gov. to veto gay marriage bill
(Montpelier, Vermont) Vermont Gov. James Douglas (R) announced Wednesday that he will veto same-sex marriage legislation if it, as expected, passes the House.
Until now, Douglas has been silent on whether he would exercise his veto power, saying only that he thinks the state’s civil unions law is sufficient.
Tags: Civil Unions Law, Exercise, gay marriage, marriage, Marriage Bill, Marriage Legislation, Montpelier Vermont, same sex marriage, Vermont Gov, Vermont Marriage, Vermont Vermont, Veto Power
