Legislature(2017 - 2018)GRUENBERG 120
02/27/2018 03:15 PM House STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s): | |
| Lt. Governor Successor | |
| HCR22 | |
| HJR38 | |
| HB184 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | HCR 22 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HJR 38 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 184 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HJR 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 184-DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT.
4:20:50 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that the last order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 184, "An Act adding to the powers and
duties of the State Commission for Human Rights; and relating to
and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or
gender identity or expression."
4:21:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ANDY JOSEPHSON, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor of HB 184, stated that the proposed legislation
was heard in the House State Affairs Standing Committee meeting
on 5/4/17; it was recommended by the Alaska State Commission for
Human Rights (ASCHR); and it would prohibit discrimination in
the public sphere in the area of employment, housing, lending,
and by the government.
4:21:47 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS opened public testimony on HB 184.
4:22:12 PM
ALYSON CURRY, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii
(PPVNH), testified that HB 184 is common sense legislation that
has the full support of PPVNH. She relayed that every day
Alaskans across the state live in fear of being fired, or being
denied housing, public services, or other opportunities, because
they are gay or transgender. She opined that everyone should be
free from discrimination to build loving relationships and
create families based on their personal, private lives.
MS. CURRY stated that as a healthcare provider and employer,
Planned Parenthood [Federation of America, Inc. (PPFA) "Planned
Parenthood"] knows that the proposed legislation is good for
public health and good for business. Because of discrimination
and fear of discrimination, many lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) employees hide their
identities, are paid less, and have fewer employment
opportunities than their non-LGBTQ counterparts. This
prejudicial treatment puts LGBTQ individuals at increased risk
for poor health, both physical and mental.
MS. CURRY relayed that businesses like Planned Parenthood that
support anti-discrimination measures for LGBTQ people recognize
that having a corporate culture of inclusivity improves worker
productivity and helps recruit the best talent. Sexual
orientation, gender identity, and gender expression have no
relation to workplace performance, and hardworking Alaskans
should not be fired because of whom they love or who they are.
She added that additionally no one should be turned away from a
business, denied housing, or denied a public service because of
who they are.
MS. CURRY stated that she is incredibly proud to live in a
community that has already embraced equal protection under the
law for all people - for her friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
She emphasized that it is time for the state to catch up.
4:24:22 PM
MARSHA BUCK, Treasurer, Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians
and Gays (PFLAG) Juneau, paraphrased from her written testimony,
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
My name is Marsha Buck and I am the treasurer of PFLAG
Juneau. I would like to testify in strong support of
House Bill 184. PFLAG, as you may know, stands for
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays as
well as people who are transgender, bisexual,
intersex, queer, and questioning.
PFLAG Juneau strongly supports House Bill 184 as well
as Senate Bill 72 because they are needed here in
Alaska. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and
gender identity and gender expression are sadly still
alive and active in our great state where we think of
ourselves as independent and strong and delightfully
different than people in the Lower 48. But I've
noticed in my 49 years here in Alaska that we still
manage to harbor discrimination.
Two examples come to mind. I will never forget the
night my phone rang in the middle of the night and I
answered to find a friend sobbing. My friend was a
lesbian who lived here in Juneau at the time and her
landlord had just evicted her from her house because
she was a lesbian living peacefully with her partner.
When she asked me through her tears if the landlord
could do that, all I could give her was a place to
stay but not any legal recourse.
Another conversation I will never forget was with a
transgender woman in Anchorage who was told by a bus
driver that she could not board a city bus because of
the way she looked. Apparently she looked "too trans."
Again, I could not assure this woman that she had any
place to turn legally.
Please pass HB 184 out of committee with your full
committee support, because you are Alaskans who care
about other Alaskans and you care about ending
discrimination against your constituents.
4:27:37 PM
MARTIE BUSCAGLIA, Executive Director, Alaska State Commission
for Human Rights (ASCHR), testified that the mission of ASCHR is
to eliminate and prevent discrimination for all Alaskans; its
vision is an Alaska free of discrimination. She asked how
Alaska can achieve that if there is a segment of the population
against whom discrimination is legal.
MS. BUSCAGLIA relayed that in November 2016, ASCHR passed a
resolution calling upon the legislature to revise Alaska's Human
Rights Law, AS 18.80, to expressly prohibit discrimination based
on sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. The
same resolution requested that staff draft proposed regulation
language adopting the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission's (EEOC's) definition of "sex" to include sexual
orientation and gender identity. She stated that the
commissioners could not agree on language for that part of the
resolution; some of the commissioners felt strongly that the
first part of the resolution - calling on the legislature to act
- was the most important part; and the law should by changed in
the legislature. Currently the second part of the resolution is
"dead," making it even more critical for the legislature to
revise the law.
MS. BUSCAGLIA asked, "How can we achieve a discrimination free
Alaska, if the state allows same sex couples to be married, but
then when they return to work or they are looking for a home,
they can be discriminated against?" She expressed that she
commends the growing number of representatives who stand behind
HB 184, and she urged the committee to move it out of committee
so that the vision of a truly discrimination free Alaska can
become reality.
MS. BUSCAGLIA closed by saying there is no fiscal impact to the
proposed legislation; ASCHR expects a minimal increase in
complaints; ASCHR has checked with EEOC and the Anchorage Equal
Rights Commission (AERC), both of which accept such complaints,
and found that the percentages of complaints of this nature are
low.
4:30:26 PM
LIN DAVIS, Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
(PFLAG) Juneau, paraphrased from her written testimony, which
read in part as follows [original punctuation provided]:
There is an ongoing urgent need to protect us LGBTQ
Alaskans through HB 184. Especially transgender
Alaskans they are very vulnerable to violence and
vilification. Last year, 33 of us LGBTQ from all over
the state testified for SB 74, Senator Gardner's
protection bill. 33 of us shared stories of
discrimination. In summer of 2016, 29 LGBTQ Juneau
people told the CBJ Assembly about losing jobs and
apartments, being kicked out of public accommodations,
being turned down for financial services. Many people
talked through tears sharing their stories. And now,
all of us testifiers have experienced a dangerous
increase in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.
This is a perfect time to move this bill forward.
Please vote today to showcase equality in Alaska.
My wife, a family physician, Dr. Mo Longworth, reminds
me that the Alaskan Academy of Family Physicians has
always strongly spoken out for statewide LGBTQ
protections. Research from the National Academy of
Family Physicians shows improved health outcomes for
individuals and communities when LGBTQ protections are
in place. And studies show there is less violence
toward women when LGBTQ people are respected.
Fairness in housing, employment, public accommodations
and financial services is basic to surviving in
Alaska.
My most recent and troubling knowledge of
discrimination comes from meeting with transgender
high school students. They are under siege for being
who they are. Their families and friends worry
constantly about their safety. Alaska can send a
national message of inclusion and respect by passing
HB 184.
Thank you for hearing our concerns.
4:33:33 PM
KIM LEA testified that her preferred name is Emogene Kimberly
Lea and her preferred pronouns are she, her, hers. She offered
that the U.S. has had for the past century a positive trend
regarding civil rights: no longer does one see NINA, "No Irish
Need Apply," in hiring notices, "whites only" signs on water
fountains, or Alaskan Natives being required to sit in the
balcony away from white folk. She mentioned that these things
happened mostly in her lifetime. She added that lately the U.S.
has avoided the practice of shipping segments of its population
to concentration camps in desolate parts of the U.S. She stated
that it is her desire to encourage this trend.
MS. LEA relayed that six and a half decades ago, as a child in
the Alaska education system, she was taught that one of the
basic tenants of American law is that all people are afforded
the same protection before the law - that all people are equal.
She was taught that there was a separation of state and church,
so that religious teachings of one faith are not imposed upon a
person of another faith or a person of no faith.
MS. LEA stated that there is much "to do" in the press in the
past few years; conservative members of a given religious
leaning are strongly opposed to equal rights for persons who do
not conform to the rigid binary division of people as solely
male or female. She offered that she finds this strange, as the
Jewish religion from which their faith springs recognizes six
genders.
MS. LEA clarified the word "gender" as follows: "Your gender is
who you go to bed as, and your sexual orientation is who you go
to bed with." She shared that she is transgender; she was born
with a male body; and she identifies as female.
MS. LEA maintained that religion has no place in American law;
if there is a real problem, like assault weapons being used to
slaughter our children, then take appropriate and decisive
action. She emphasized that action should not be taken based on
the agitation of a relatively small part of one American
religious population, who selectively pick and choose the parts
of the Christian Old Testament that they choose to enforce.
MS. LEA relayed that she recognizes from a political standpoint
the desirability of targeting small demographic groups that are
not likely to have the political or economic power to defend
themselves as are larger segments of the population, who might
fight back. There is less chance of sustaining push-back to
one's peer group, if no one knows a person who is part of the
target group.
MS. LEA stated, "I am a 'trans' person - probably the first one
you've met." She said that there are only about six per
thousand, and she offered that if they can "pass," they will.
MS. LEA relayed that she recognizes the right of religion to
disprove anything it desires and to enforce those beliefs within
its willing congregation. She admonished, "To such groups,
judge not lest you be judged. Love God, love your neighbor."
MS. LEA offered that as a transgender woman, she seeks two
things: to be perceived as a valid being within the community
and to be treated with respect. She asked to be treated as a
human and treated with respect using her preferred pronouns; she
asked that she be allowed to void her bowel and bladder where
she chooses, comfortably and privately. She added that there
are stalls, and she would not see anything inappropriate.
4:37:33 PM
BARBARA LEARMONTH testified that as a Christian, she wishes to
correct the common, and very hurtful, misperception that all
Christian churches discriminate against people based on sexual
orientation. She stated that her Episcopal Church does not.
MS. LEARMONTH relayed that she has had many years of experience
at work places that do not discriminate based on sexual
orientation. She stated that personally she has not been
discriminated against but feels compelled to speak for her gay
co-workers. She said that it is not just that their inclusion
in the workplace is not a problem, it's that the workplace would
have suffered if they had been excluded. She referred to a
senior manager, who was one of the wisest and most effective
senior managers that she has ever known; the agency, the
clientele, and she herself would have suffered, if he has been
excluded because of his sexual orientation. She offered that he
is just one of many such people.
MS. LEARMONTH relayed that there is no factual reason to exclude
people from a workplace based on sexual orientation; current
times are very challenging, and workplaces need all the skilled
people they can get.
4:39:48 PM
KEVIN MCGEE, President, Anchorage National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), testified that the
mission of the NAACP is to promote equality and equal treatment
under the law. He said that it is in that tradition that he is
testifying in support of HB 184. The proposed legislation would
ensure that sexual orientation and gender identity cannot be
used as a legal basis for discriminating against Alaskans.
MR. MCGEE relayed that HB 184 would help ensure that Alaskans
have a "level playing field" when they look for jobs, housing,
and credit, and use public accommodations. He offered that the
average Alaskan probably considers these civil rights safeguards
already to be law; most people see the protection of civil
rights as a "no-brainer"; those rights are widely recognized
both in society and in federal law. He stated that HB 184
represents an opportunity to protect civil rights through state
law, which is important both as a matter of principle and as a
practical matter for Alaskans who should not be subjected to
discrimination in their daily lives. He thanked the legislators
who co-sponsored the proposed legislation.
4:41:55 PM
BESSI ODAM testified that many people come to Alaska just to
visit; some decide to call Alaska home. She relayed that her
parents are among them; they came from Mississippi in 1972 not
knowing they would become permanent residents of Alaska. She
offered that her parents were attracted to the freedom that
Mississippi did not allow; they were content in knowing that the
discrimination that dominated their lives in the South was not
as apparent in the Last Frontier.
MS. ODAM stated that it was here in Alaska that her parents were
able to truly live unafraid. She said that she has heard the
stories of discrimination of her parents and emphasized that no
one deserves to be treated as anything less than human. She
maintained that a person should not be discriminated against
because of race, gender, or sexual orientation. She offered
that Alaska has always provided its residents a haven from
discrimination; it must strive to ensure that Alaska remains as
such.
MS. ODAN relayed that it is time not only to support people of
various genders and sexual orientation, but also to protect them
with the inclusive language of HB 184. She requested a "yes"
vote.
4:43:48 PM
GRACE MATTHEWS testified that growing up "queer" in Alaska has
not been easy. She stated that when she moved out of her
parents' house at age 18 and rented a dry cabin in the woods,
she wondered if her landlord would want to evict her if she was
aware of Ms. Matthews's girlfriend. She related that after she
received her automotive mechanics certificate, she got her first
job in an automobile ("auto") shop. Her co-workers were not shy
when talking about their intolerance. She said that she never
told her boss or her co-workers about her girlfriend, because
she was well aware she could lose her job.
MS. MATTHEWS reported that she is testifying in support of HB
184 so that Alaskans younger that she need not grow up wondering
if they belong in Alaska. She expressed that she loves Alaska
and Alaskans; Alaskans are independent, hard-working, and kind.
She maintained that discrimination is not an Alaskan value. She
urged the committee to pass HB 184 out of committee.
4:45:21 PM
KARA CARLSON testified that a few years ago she was invited to
walk in the Golden Days Parade with PFLAG - an organization that
focuses on advancing equality for people who identify as LGBTQ.
She mentioned that it was her first time walking with PFLAG or
any LGBTQ organization. She said that when she showed up, she
was met by 15 energetic, passionate strangers, who were standing
between two groups of people who were not excited about the
presence of the PFLAG group. She relayed that she was
terrified, walked back to her car, and called her dad in tears,
because she did not feel strong enough to be an ally on that
day. She stated that her dad reminded her that she had the
choice to go home - a privilege not everyone has.
MS. CARLSON continued by saying that during that same year, she
experienced discrimination for the first time. She emphasized
that this experience in no way compares with the experiences of
her friends, colleagues, and neighbors who have lifetimes of
experiences with discrimination. She stated that it is just an
example of what not having these protections does to everyone.
She said that as a young single mother, she has been fortunate
to find safe, affordable housing. Since she was a model tenant,
she was surprised and saddened at the many threats of eviction
and reprimands that followed when her landlord saw her at the
parade. She said that she wished she could articulate how scary
it was for her, as a single mother, to feel at risk of losing
her housing. She stated that more importantly, her friends,
families, and neighbors actually do lose housing, jobs,
livelihoods, and basic human rights because society has decided
there are groups of people who do not deserve the same rights
the rest of society enjoys and takes for granted every day.
MS. CARLSON asked for support of HB 184 and updating the law to
ensure that Alaska residents are judged on job performance and
qualifications. She said that no one should have to live in
fear of being legally fired for reasons that have nothing to do
with job performance or fear of being denied housing or other
services.
4:48:21 PM
MARINA DAY testified that the other day in church, the
congregation was asked to write their worst fears on a piece of
paper and pass it to another person. She said that the one she
received stated, "My son came out last Christmas. We're all 100
percent for him, but I will always worry about him as his mom,
especially as people cannot be so accepting." She stated that
no mother in Alaska should have to have those worries. She
urged the committee to pass HB 184 out of committee. She asked
the committee to do so in honor of the "love in your heart" and
in honor of [former Senator] Georgianna Lincoln whose Senate
Bill [163, Twenty-Second Alaska State Legislature, 2001-2002]
would have brought protection for my (indisc.) in the state 15
years prior.
MS. DAY relayed that issues of crimes against humanity will not
go away without the shield of law. She suggested that SB [163]
might have prevented years of despondency in Alaska communities.
She urged passage of HB 184 in honor of all who have testified
against hate crimes and discrimination every time legislation is
introduced. She maintained that human rights law in the state
is meant to secure the peace, order, health, safety, and general
welfare of the state and its people. She asked that the
committee members end the (indisc.) of the non-binary and allow
the vast expression of gender that exists in the human realm.
She urged passage of HB 184 in honor of "love in your heart and
because love trumps hate."
4:50:51 PM
CHANNON PRICE paraphrased from his written testimony, which read
as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Thank you, Mr./Madam Chair. For the record my name is
Channon Price, and I live in House District 04/Senate
District B. I have been a voting citizen in that
district for over thirty years, during which time I
have also raised a family.
I have come today to offer my views on House Bill 184
(SB 72), which would update Alaska's non-
discrimination statutes.
The right to self-expression should only be limited
when it poses a clear danger to the safety of others.
Within that limitation, any person should enjoy the
same rights as others.
Historically, Alaska lead the nation in establishing
protections against discrimination in housing and
employment based on race, creed, color and national
origin. Our great state has added protections covering
individuals against discrimination based on
disability, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy and
parenthood. This is because there was and continues to
be a sense that our state is great because it is
plural: that this is not just a great state for, as an
example, white males.
Regrettably, in 2015 the Alaska Supreme Court found a
very narrow definition of the protections based on
sex, choosing to exclude sexual orientation, gender
identity, and gender expression from those
protections. I personally know of Alaskans who have
been impacted, both in their attempts to find
employment and in their attempts to obtain housing, by
discrimination against orientation or against
identity/expression. This is wrong: orientation and
identity have no relation to how well one does their
job, and what goes on behind closed doors -- our
private lives -- is no one's business as long as it
stays with the limitation noted above.
Discrimination is based on beliefs. You are entitled
to your belief, as long as it does not cause harm to
others. It was a founding principle of this nation
that one group of citizens never have the right to
impose their religious beliefs on another group, as
this infringes on the right of the second group to
practice their beliefs as they saw fit, to choose
their beliefs. Orientation and identity are even more
fundamental than beliefs, as one does not have the
choice of one's orientation and identity: in that,
they are like one's color or national origin. Thus, it
is just as wrong to discriminate against an individual
based on their orientation and identity.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly support this bill,
and I encourage the committee to move the bill to the
full House for its consideration and approval.
I would like to thank the committee for their time in
considering my point of view.
4:53:17 PM
ROSE O'HARA-JOLLEY testified that Alaska is her home and she is
dedicated to making it a better place. She said that she worked
as an educator of young children of special needs for over 13
years and currently teaches teachers at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks (UAF). She stated that although she does not worry
about her job at UAF, she has had to hide who she is from
employers in the past out of fear: fear of being fired; fear of
being targeted in her small community; and fear of losing her
housing. She relayed that she is not alone; 44 percent of LGBTQ
people report discrimination at work. It is unacceptable to be
denied employment, housing, or other services in a place she
calls home, because of her gender identity and because of whom
she loves.
MS. O'HARA-JOLLEY offered that the cities of Anchorage, Juneau,
and Sitka have all passed legislation protecting the LGBTQ
community from discrimination, which means that over 330,000
Alaskans - over half the state's population - are protected.
She said that she finds it upsetting that she must "come out" to
the House State Affairs Standing Committee in hopes of receiving
the same protections for other Alaskans. She relayed that the
city in which she lives does not offer protections based on
sexual orientation and gender identity; therefore, a result of
her testifying could directly affect her ability to gain
employment or housing. She emphasized that it is time Alaska
stops its "patchwork" approach to protections and let all
Alaskans know they are valued. She urged support of HB 184.
4:55:39 PM
LIZ FURMAN testified that she is an ally of LGBTQ people. She
stated that she is a substitute teacher; she works in homeless
shelters, as a wilderness therapy guide, and with youth having
mental health disorders. She maintained that Alaska needs to
update its nondiscrimination clause to include LGBTQ folks and
promote dignity and human rights in the community.
MS. FURMAN relayed that as a teacher and someone who has worked
with youth and homeless people, she worries about the LGBTQ
teens, especially the transgender teens, who experience violence
and hate speech almost daily. She stated that working with at-
risk and homeless people, she has noticed that LGBTQ people are
over-represented in those two groups. She added that it is not
because they are doing something wrong but because they are
experiencing discrimination in housing and employment.
MS. FURMAN offered that sexual orientation has no relationship
to job performance and no relationship to one's ability to pay
rent or be a respectful homeowner. She emphasized that it is
shameful and wrong that in Alaska, discrimination in housing and
employment is allowed based on sexual orientation and identity.
She maintained that this kind of systemic discrimination haunts
society and strips LGBTQ individuals of dignity and basic
rights.
MS. FURMAN relayed that in her experience, LGBTQ people bring
positive strength, skill, and perspective, and should have the
right to practice their beliefs as they see fit. She mentioned
that Alaska communities need these diverse leaders and role
models, and Alaska should protect their rights. She urged
support of HB 184.
4:57:50 PM
LIZ LYKE testified that she is a transgender woman and has lived
in Alaska eight years. She said that Alaska really became her
home three years ago when she came out; Alaska is a place where
everyone is accepted and included. She stated that she has done
her part to make Alaska better. She expressed that to have the
best Alaska possible, Alaska needs to allow everyone, including
LGBTQ people, to have the best life possible - the best job, the
best housing, the best loans - everything everyone else
experiences. She maintained that Alaska has given her so much,
and she does her part to give back.
MS. LYKE relayed that currently 24 states have LGBTQ
protections; Alaska can stand on the "right side of history" and
be number 25. She urged passage of HB 184 out of committee.
4:59:24 PM
LIZ TAPP testified that when she first moved to Alaska from Los
Angeles, she was impressed most by the kindness and helpfulness
of everyone. She said that everyone was helpful when she knew
nothing about snow, cold, or how to get appropriate necessities.
She stated that she now wonders whether the store clerk would
have been as helpful, or the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
[staff] would have been as helpful, or she would have been able
to find housing as easily, if people had known she was gay. She
declared that she is not sure of that now. She maintained that
she has the luxury of looking like "your average, middle-class,
white woman"; it is a luxury not everyone has. She opined that
she should not have to rely on that luxury; she should not have
to hide the fact that she has a beautiful transgender wife; she
should not have to worry about where her wife goes and how she
will be treated; she should not have to worry if doctors will
turn her away; she should not have to worry if police will treat
her differently; she should not have to worry about any of these
issues, because her wife's rights should be protected like those
of anyone else. She asserted that she wishes everyone in Alaska
could have the same experience she had when she first moved to
Alaska - the experience of kind, helpful Alaskans reaching out
with offers of help - but she knows that they do not. She
maintained that HB 184 would help to further what she
experienced.
5:01:34 PM
ABBY NORTH testified that she is Ms. Tapp's wife - a transgender
woman - and a teacher. She said that since she came out, she
has been discriminated against twice; she was refused service at
a pharmacy and she was refused service at a gun shop. She
stated that she is lucky enough to have a job that includes
protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, and she
and her wife own their home. She stated that she is not
testifying for herself, but for all LGBTQ Alaskans and
especially for her LGBTQ students. She relayed that these
students get tortured daily. She offered that she tries to
fight it and to encourage her colleagues to fight it; however,
she worries about those students when they leave school, go out
into the real world, and can't find a job or home for no other
reason than because of who they are or whom they love. She
urged passage of HB 184 to protect all Alaskans equally.
5:03:56 PM
MORGAN WILHELM testified that she is a fourth generation
Alaskan, who plans to stay in Alaska and who has traveled around
the world. She maintained that wherever she goes, she finds
herself bragging about the vibrant cultures and landscapes in
which she grew up. She stated that she does not mention her
fear of losing her job because she is gay or her wife losing her
job by announcing her marriage at work. She stated that being
gay is part of her identity, which she cannot change. She
maintained that Alaska is where she wants to thrive and spend
her life as an openly gay resident. She asked for support of HB
184 to protect her ability to obtain and maintain employment and
live with dignity and honesty.
5:05:28 PM
PAMELA SAMESH expressed her concern with HB 184. She stated
that she has not seen discrimination due to sexual orientation
in her community and is surprised at the testimony. She
referred to testimony stating that children in the schools are
being discriminated against. She stated that she is heavily
involved in the schools and maintained that a misunderstanding
exists; what some people are interpreting as discrimination may
be concern that schools are pressuring children to become LGBTQ;
and there seems to be a strong liberal movement. She relayed
that as a Christian, she believes that everyone is made by God
in the womb of his/her mother. She maintained that children are
being coerced into being LGBTQ; they see other people being
LGBTQ; they are taught it is good and natural; and they
experiment with it and become confused, depressed, and suicidal
because of the confusion. She said that the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) agrees that society needs to be careful about
pressuring children into the LGBTQ movement.
5:08:44 PM
ZHENIA PETERSON began her testimony but due to audio
difficulties, agreed to send in written testimony instead.
5:10:05 PM
ALYSSA QUINTYNE testified that she and her fellow testifiers
from Fairbanks work hard to make the city safe for LGBTQ people.
It is frustrating when legislation that could protect people
that they care about and work with does not pass. Such
legislation would give her and other allies the leverage to help
those who are being discriminated against. She said that having
the proposed legislation pass would not only make
nondiscrimination law but allow people to avoid living in fear
of losing their jobs and give parents of LGBTQ children a legal
avenue. She maintained that LGBTQ children are discriminated
against, and it should not happen; no kid should have to face
not being accepted by his/her community. She urged passage of
HB 184; for legislators to encourage support among their
constituents; and by passage of the proposed legislation to let
the LGBTQ community know they are supported and welcome.
5:12:12 PM
JEFF CHEN paraphrased from his written testimony, which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Thank you Chairman. For the record, my name is Jeff
Chen. I live in House District 18, and I am speaking
on behalf of myself.
I'm testifying in support of House Bill 184 because I
believe the State of Alaska should have non-
discrimination laws for everyone, including our
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer
community members.
I am a Taiwanese American. I work in the youth
conservation community. And I am on the Board of
Directors of the Alaska Chinese Association, though I
am only representing myself in my testimony.
Our history is full of acts of legal discrimination
based on local, state, and federal policies. Immigrant
families know discrimination -- legal discrimination.
For example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 barred
Chinese immigrants from entering the country and
gaining access to housing, work, and places of public
accommodation. The ramifications were felt throughout
society, and led to physical violence and literally
the massacre of Chinese communities.
There is no justice in excluding based on race,
religion, color, national origin, age, sex,
disability, and marital status -- just as there is no
justice in discriminating based on sexual orientation
and gender identity.
44% of LGBTQ respondents reported facing
discrimination at work. In Alaska, that discrimination
is legal, and that discrimination is leading to an
increase in anti-LGBTQ violence across the country.
I support HB 184 because our LGBTQ family and friends
should not have to face discrimination in the
workplace, in public, or at home. Remember, through
the perseverance of Elizabeth Peratrovich and other
Alaska Native and Alaskan advocates, our state passed
some of the nation's first anti-discrimination laws. I
urge you to support HB 184. Thank you.
5:14:33 PM
MELISSA BURGER testified that as a proud LGBTQ advocate in high
school, it breaks her heart to see such amazing and wonderful
students suffer discrimination based on who they are. She
mentioned that the high school she attends is the most diverse
school in the nation; it includes students not only of all
races, religions, and color, but also LGBTQ students. She said
that when people ask her what it is she needs, now that gay
marriage is possible, she responds by saying she needs
antidiscrimination laws. She mentioned that due to Proposition
1 in Anchorage [Access to Public Bathrooms and Locker Rooms
Based on Sex at Birth], the LGBTQ community needs HB 184 to be
passed now more than ever.
5:16:48 PM
MELISSA GOLDSTEIN, Legal Fellow, Alaska Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU) of Alaska, testified that in 2015, the National Center
for Transgender Equality (NCTE) conducted a survey of over
27,000 transgender Americans, including 84 Alaskans. She
provided the following statistics regarding the discrimination
that transgender Alaskans face on a daily basis: in Alaska, 85
percent of transgender children have faced discrimination and
harassment; over half of transgender children were verbally
harassed; nearly one-third were physically harassed for being
transgender; 14 percent were sexually assaulted - that is,
specifically attacked because they were transgender; nearly one-
quarter of transgender children in Alaska faced such severe
mistreatment that they left a K through 12 school.
MS. GOLDSTEIN relayed that transgender adults are similarly
impacted: in 2015 alone, one-third of transgender Alaskans
experienced some form of housing discrimination; 43 percent
experienced homelessness; and 17 percent were denied employment
opportunities or were fired because of their gender identity or
expression.
MS. GOLDSTEIN stated that Anchorage has protected its residents
from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender
identity or expression since 2015 without issue; however, even
Anchorage's protections are under attack. These attacks make
antidiscrimination legislation like HB 184 even more necessary.
She referred to the research attached to her written testimony,
included in the committee packet, entitled "2015 U.S.
Transgender Survey Alaska State Report."
5:19:23 PM
JUDY ANDREE, League of Women Voters of Alaska (LWVAK), testified
that both the League of Women Voters of the U.S. (LWVUS) and
LWBAK believe that one of government's most important
responsibilities is to protect the rights and safety of all
citizens. She maintained that HB 184 would help provide such
protection. She stated that a society is weakened when it
excludes some of its citizens from full participation and the
rights and opportunities available to most of its citizens;
therefore, LWVAK strongly supports HB 184 - a bill to protect
the rights of persons regardless of sexual orientation and
gender identity or expression.
MS. ANDREE urged the committee members to consider the rights of
all their constituents and pass HB 184 out of committee.
5:20:38 PM
KASEY CASORT paraphrased from his written testimony, which read
as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Hello, my name is Kasey Casort, and I'm from
Fairbanks. I am testifying in support of HB 184. In
high school, I was the Vice President of my school's
Gender Sexuality Alliance, and I wrote a letter of
support for a different version of this bill when I
was fourteen. It was the first bill I ever printed out
and went through with a highlighter, because it
mattered so much to me. Now I'm nineteen, and I know
that it just makes sense to have fundamental
protections under the law.
Young people like me have grown up watching America
learn to accept us for who we love and the way we
live, but in Alaska we can still be fired, kicked out
of our homes, denied loans, and prevented from
achieving our full potential based on our identities.
I am an ally, and I know that it's time to move this
bill out of committee and onto the floor, where our
representatives can show us that they're ready to
stand up for all of their constituents. I appreciate
the opportunity to testify today, and I urge you to
support HB 184. Thank you.
5:22:02 PM
ISADORE CHRISTIANSON testified that he is a student and member
of the Campus Inclusivity Alliance (CIA) at the University of
Alaska Southeast (UAS). He relayed that he supports HB 184
because of his belief that at this point in history it should be
a given that everyone on the LGBTQ spectrum should be allowed to
live freely without threat of discrimination; it should be a
given that parents take needed time off from work to raise their
children; it should be a given that people with mental or
physical disabilities receive accommodations; it should be a
given that people be allowed time off from work to practice
their religions.
MR. CHRISTIANSON asserted that while Alaska has made a great
deal of progress in terms of inclusion, the fact that this bill
needs to be passed in 2018 and Anchorage residents are
struggling with an "anti-trans" ballot measure, demonstrates
that Alaska still has a way to go. He maintained there are still
young adults in Alaska struggling with getting support in
certain places from certain people. He said that if his gay
friends cannot get the support they need from their parents,
they should at least have more amiable work environments.
MR. CHRISTIANSON relayed that the passage of the proposed
legislation would be important not only for Alaska's political
climate but for American's political climate. He emphasized
that legislators' priorities should be to create opportunities
and not restrict them; to nurture dreams, not deny them.
(indisc.) He maintained that legislators cannot say they
support family values and cast their votes against supporting
families; they cannot say that "all men are created equal"
without supporting legislation that reaffirms unity.
MR. CHRISTIANSON concluded by saying he endorses the passage of
HB 184 as reflective of the rights granted every citizen under
the U.S. Constitution and the Alaska Constitution, and he hopes
the legislators will support it as well.
5:24:09 PM
CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS closed public testimony on HB 184 and
announced it would be held over.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Davidson Resume 2_18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
|
| HCR22 Sponsor Statement 2.19.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HCR 22 |
| HCR22 Version A.PDF |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HCR 22 |
| HCR22 Fiscal Note LEG 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HCR 22 |
| HCR22 Supporting Document ANDVSA Letter of Support 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HCR 22 |
| HCR22 Additional Documents - ANDVSA Key Results from the 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey 2.19.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HCR 22 |
| HCR22 Additional Documents - CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey 2.19.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HCR 22 |
| HJR38 Sponsor Statement 2.26.2018.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR038 ver A 2.22.18.PDF |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Fiscal Note LEG 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Supporting Document- Powerpoint Presentation 2.27.2018.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Index of Support Documents 2.26.2018.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Supporting Document- Letters of Support 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Support Letter from Dick Welsh 2.27.2018.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Support Letter from Ocean View Community Council 2.27.2018.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Support Letter from Beth Fread 2.27.2018.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Index of Reference Documents 2.26.2018b.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Additional Documents- Reference 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HJR38 Opposing Document- Alaska Railroad Letter of Opposition 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/1/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/8/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 38 |
| HB 184 Sponsor Statement 1.19.18.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Sectional Analysis 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 ver J 4.4.17.PDF |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Fiscal Note HRC 2.23.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter Planned Parenthood 4.27.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter LWVA 4.27.17.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter HRC 4.28.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter ATFE 5.1.2017.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter Fbx PFLAG 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter HRC 4.28.17.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter LWVA 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter SAGE 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter AAARP 5.4.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Letter EGJ 5.4.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - 2017 Survey(2) 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - 2017 Survery(1) 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document - 2010 Census 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Anch LGBT Discrimination Preliminary Report 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - ASHRC Resolution 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Court Decisions 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - HRC State Laws 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Legal Memo 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Williams Institute 5.3.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Public Letters 5.8.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Memorandum, Religious Exemptions 5.9.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - 18.80.300 5.9.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Supporting Document - Ministerial Exemption 5.9.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document Letters of Support 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Letter of Support 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document ACLU Testimony FINAL 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey—Alaska State Report 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Letter of Support 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Supporting Document- Public Letters of Support 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB 184 Opposing Document - Letter AFC 5.5.17.pdf |
HSTA 5/4/2017 3:00:00 PM HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Opposing Document- Letter 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HB184 Opposing Document- Letter 2 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM HSTA 3/6/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HB 184 |
| HJR001 Sponsor Statement 2.19.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 1 |
| HJR001 ver A 2.19.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 1 |
| HJR1 Fiscal Note LEG 2.26.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 1 |
| HJR001 Supporting Document-ADN Poll 2.19.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 1 |
| HJR1 Opposing Document- Alaska Family Action Letter of Opposition 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 1 |
| HJR1 Opposing Document- Letter 2.27.18.pdf |
HSTA 2/27/2018 3:15:00 PM |
HJR 1 |