Over the weekend, Anchorage voters rejected anti-transgender ballot measure Proposition 1 that would have repealed city non-discrimination protections. The measure would have enshrined discrimination into law by forcing transgender people to use facilities that are inconsistent with their gender identity.
This is the first time an anti-trans ballot measure has been defeated by voters. The next ballot battle on the issue is in Massachusetts.
“While we should all celebrate today with Anchorage, we know our work in Alaska is not done,” said Alaskans Together for Equality Board President Elias Rojas. “Working side by side with partners like the Equality Federation, we will all look forward to the day when every LGBTQ Alaskan — and every LGBTQ visitor to Alaska — enjoys the protections that citizens of Anchorage affirmed this week.”
“This historic win for equality is a testament to the fair-minded majority of voters in Anchorage and the extraordinary voter turnout efforts by Fair Anchorage, Alaskans Together for Equality, and the many volunteers on the ground,” said Equality Federation Executive Director Rebecca Isaacs. “All Americans, including transgender people and their families, should have the opportunity to be themselves without fear of discrimination.”
“In a truly historic election, Anchorage voters refused to succumb to hate and bigotry by rejecting this discriminatory, anti-transgender ballot measure,” Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said. “Community leaders, businesses, faith leaders, and public officials all spoke out in support of equality.”
— David Taffet
