Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/24/2023 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB51 | |
| SB73 | |
| SB94 | |
| SB108 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 51 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 73 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 94 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 108 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SB 108-DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT.
2:02:56 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO.
108 "An Act relating to and prohibiting discrimination based on
sexual orientation or gender identity or expression."
He stated that this is the first hearing on this bill. He
invited Senator Kawasaki and Griffen Sukkaew to present the
bill.
CHAIR BJORKMAN recognized that Representative Jennie Armstrong
joined the meeting.
2:03:39 PM
SENATOR SCOTT KAWASAKI, District P, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 108, said this bill is also known
as the LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination Bill. It seeks to add sexual
orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as a
protected class under statutes governing the Alaska Human Rights
Commission. This bill does not protect LGBTQ+ people differently
or in a special way; it just ensures they have the same rights
as everyone else. The Human Rights Commission protected LGBTQ+
people in all subject areas from July 2021 until August 2022,
and the presentation will elaborate on this. He read the
following sponsor statement:
SB 108
Sponsor Statement
"An Act Relating to and prohibiting discrimination
based on sexual orientation or gender identity or
expression."
Following Bostock v Clayton County, the Alaska State
Commission on Human Rights (ASCHR) clarified that
their jurisdiction only applies to employment in
regard to discrimination based on gender identity,
gender expression, and sexual orientation. They have
recommended that policy changes are necessary to
recognize these traits under public accommodations,
housing, and lending.
ASCHR first urged the Legislature to act on this in
2016.
The State of Alaska should be a place where businesses
can invest without fear of their employees being
discriminated against and where active duty military
members don't have to worry about being stationed in a
place where they may face discrimination. The first
step to reversing outmigration and creating a
business-friendly environment is making sure that
everyone feels safe and welcome in Alaska.
SENATOR KAWASAKI deferred to Griffen Sukkaew to present further
on the bill.
2:06:06 PM
GRIFFEN SUKKAEW, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, read the sectional analysis for SB
108 and gave a slideshow presentation on the bill.
Sectional Analysis for SB 108, 33-LS0599\A
Section 1: This section is conforming language with
Section 2. It adds "sex" to the area of Alaska
Statutes regarding blockbusting.
Section 2: This section adds new paragraphs under AS
18.80.300 to define sex to include "gender identity or
expression" and "sexual orientation".
2:06:49 PM
Mr. Sukkaew said that he is honored to present a bill on behalf
of the nearly 10 percent of Alaskans who identify as LGBTQ. He
presented a slideshow titled "SB 108: LGBTQ+ Non
discrimination." He expressed that this legislation is necessary
because Alaska currently allows discrimination against anyone
who is perceived as being or is LGBTQ. He advanced to slide 2:
Alaska currently legalizes discrimination based on
sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender
identity in regards to employment, housing, financing,
government practices, and public accommodation.
He explained that the Attorney General's Office, the Commission
for Human Rights and the Department of Law have advised that
this requires a statutory fix. He stated that the bill sponsor
seeks to codify the guidance from these institutions which aim
to protect the rights of LGBTQ citizens. He clarified that
Alaska case law holds that many different types of religious
organizations would be able to protect their religious beliefs
and that this bill would not interfere with their religious
freedoms.
2:07:47 PM
Mr. Sukkaew advanced to slide 3 to discuss the meaning of
discrimination:
Discrimination is bad for business, bad for our
economy, and bad for families.
He said that under current law, people in cities without
nondiscrimination ordinances can be denied or charged
differently for housing or denied home, car, and business loans
only because they are perceived as LGBTQ. He pointed out
Alaska's outmigration over the last decade and reminded the
committee of the workforce crisis, vacancy rates, and
recruitment and retention challenges. He emphasized the
importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for
workers.
2:08:32 PM
Mr. Sukkaew advanced to slide 4, "Public Support for LGBTQ non-
Discrimination":
Public Support for LGBTQ Non - Discrimination
• The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) has
conducted phone surveys since 2014.
• They have found longstanding trends of public
support for LGBTQ non -discrimination
protections.
• The American Values Atlas, the compendium for
this research, shows 80% of Americans support
such protections.
• 78% of Alaskans support these protections.
He said the Public Religion Research Institute has been
conducting polling on LGBTQ issues annually since 2014. The
results are collated into the American Values Atlas. This survey
shows the most recent results from 2022, which shows 80 percent
of Americans and 78 percent of Alaskans support LGBTQ
nondiscrimination policies.
2:08:53 PM
Mr. Sukkaew advanced to slide 5:
This legislation would put Alaska into alignment with
many major Alaskan employers and Fortune 500
companies.
As of 2011, 96% of Fortune 500 companies include
sexual orientation in their nondiscrimination
policies. Economic benefits include:
- Higher recruitment & retention
- Increased generation of ideas & innovation
- Diversified consumer base
- Increased employee productivity
- Securing more public sector clients
- Improved employee relations & morale
He stated that 31 states, the US Virgin Islands and Washington
D.C. also have similar measures of protection for LGBTQ
citizens. He reiterated that for the state to be competitive,
everyone needs protection.
2:09:28 PM
Mr. Sukkaew advanced to slide 6, Local control: Lack of local
protections:
Irregular protections provide lack of clarity for
families, workers, and businesses.
Anchorage, Juneau and Sitka have all passed local
nondiscrimination ordinances. Bethel has passed a
nondiscrimination ordinance applying to city employees and
contractors. However not all localities have legal authority to
pass such ordinances so taking action requires a statewide
solution.
2:10:06 PM
Mr. Sukkaew advanced to slide 7, "Background, LGBTQ+
Discrimination in Alaska":
LGBTQ+ Discrimination in Alaska
2011 Anchorage Survey:
• 10% denied a lease when otherwise qualified.
• 21% turned down for a job when otherwise
qualified.
• 73% hide orientation/identity to avoid employment
discrimination.
• 10% stopped by police without justification
• 8% denied service in a restaurant or bar.
2:10:37 PM
SENATOR BISHOP asked who created the survey.
MR. SUKKAEW replied the Williams Institute.
SENATOR BISHOP asked whether there has been another survey since
this one.
MR. SUKKAEW replied that he does not believe so but he will
double check and get the information to the committee.
2:11:16 PM
MR. SUKKAEW advanced to slide 8, "Background, Discrimination
Against the LGBTQ+ Community," explaining that there are real
and devastating impacts when people are not protected and
treated the same. Those who identify as LGBTQ suffer food,
economic and housing insecurity, as well as mental health
impacts. He stated that nearly half of the respondents to an
Anchorage survey reported harassment at work. LGBTQ community
members suffer careers setbacks and are held back from living
full, safe lives as productive members of society. When people
lose their homes or jobs, it is not a social issue, it is an
economic issue that affects the entire state.
2:11:25 PM
Mr. Sukkaew advanced to slide 9, "LGBTQ+ Discrimination," He
noted that nearly half of the Native and indigenous LGBTQ youth
have experienced homelessness or housing instability.
2:12:06 PM
MR. SUKKAEW spoke to points on slide 10, "CASE LAW Bostock v
Clayton County":
CASE LAW
Bostock v. Clayton County
• Court ruling from 2020: Consolidated cases of
Bostock v Clayton County, Zarda v Altitude
Express, and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v
EEOC & Aimee Stephens
• Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act: prohibits
discrimination based on sex
• Discrimination based on sexual orientation,
gender identity and gender expression: inherently
based on sex discrimination
2:13:20 PM
MR. SUKKAEW advanced to slide 11, "HISTORY OF ASCHR":
HISTORY OF ASCHR
Commission for Human Rights
• Established in 1963
• Falls under the Office of the Governor
• Attorney General provides counsel
MR. SUKKAEW drew attention to line 3, pointing out that current
law protects inhabitants of the state from discrimination
"because of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex,
physical or mental disability, marital status, changes in
marital status, pregnancy, or parenthood", announcing that the
bill sponsor would like this line to mirror that of the Bostock
case, which includes sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression.
2:13:57 PM
MR. SUKKAEW spoke to points on slide 12, "PRIOR GUIDANCE
Department of Law":
PRIOR GUIDANCE
Department of Law
• In July 2022, the Department of Law initially
held that ASCHR could accept LGBTQ+ cases in all
five subject areas.
• "This is supported in part by the Alaska Supreme
Court to further the goal of eradication of
discrimination."
• In August 2022, it was rescinded and the Attorney
General said ASCHR needs statutory authority for
other areas under their jurisdiction.
• SB 108 provides this necessary authority.
2:15:08 PM
MR. SUKKAEW spoke to points on slide 13, "BILL OVERVIEW SB 108:
LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination":
BILL OVERVIEW
SB 108: LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination
"...to further the goal of the eradication of
discrimination.- Alaska Department of Law
• Updates the definition of "sex" in AS 18.80.300
to include "sexual orientation, gender identity
or gender expression."
• Consistent with Bostock.
• Updates the definition of "sexual orientation" to
reflect modern scientific understanding, and
remove loopholes.
• Conforming change to AS 18.80 "blockbusting".
2:15:41 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON commented that she was proud to have a seat
on the Anchorage Assembly in 2018 when it passed and expressed
that the delay in passing this legislation on the state level is
troubling to her.
2:16:16 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR drew attention to slide 12. He sought
clarification that the Department of Law and the Alaska Supreme
Court held that post-Bostock this case could move forward. He
asked what changed the position and legal interpretation and
questioned whether this bill was legally necessary, since it is
already the law that gender identity is included in the term
"sex," as interpreted in statute.
MR. SUKKAEW deferred the question to Mr. Corbisier.
2:17:52 PM
SENATOR MERRICK asked about the consequences if someone violates
SB 108.
MR. SUKKAEW deferred the question to Mr. Corbisier or Legal
Services.
2:18:15 PM
ROB CORBISIER Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Human
Rights, Anchorage, Alaska, responded to questions on SB 108. He
explained that the commission has the ability to enforce the law
and would accept a complaint, consequently conducting an
investigation depending on whether there was substantial
evidence of violation of state law. The commission would go
through a conciliation process, an attempt to settle a
negotiation, and if that fails, the commission would file an
accusation with the Office of Administrative Hearings and move
forward with a bench trial. At the trial's end an administrative
law judge would issue a commission order to be reviewed by the
commissioners with the advice of an assistant attorney general.
Then a commission order can be enforced to account for damages.
2:19:19 PM
MR. CORBISIER clarified a question Senator Dunbar posed. He said
that after Bostock was issued, he realized it was huge case.
Within days of that decision, he felt comfortable with the
agency taking on discrimination claims on employment. He asked
the Department of Law for formal guidance and in December of
2020 the department responded that it was warranted to take on
all five areas as pertain to the Bostock v. Clayton County case.
2:20:48 PM
SENATOR DUNBAR asked whether the administrative law judge
decision that goes to the Alaska Superior Court was ever
specific performance or exclusively monetary damages.
MR. CORBISIER answered that it can definitely be specific
performance and that it will depend on the circumstances of the
case.
2:22:21 PM
HAYLEE WILSON, Owner, Behavioral Health Services, Kenai, Alaska,
gave invited testimony in support of SB 108. She said that in
her private practice and former positions, she has had the
opportunity to see people from various demographics around the
state. One specific situation brought up often is her clients'
inability to both secure and advance in employment due to their
gender identity and sexual orientation. This compounds existing
barriers, including access to insurance and healthcare.
She described two different outcomes in a scenario she had
witnessed. Client A sought counseling due to a hostile work
environment stemming from their gender identity. While Client A
had good insurance and regularly saw a counselor, the
unrelenting harassment made it challenging to remain at their
job. They faced daily insults, threats, and even suggestions of
self-harm. This led Client A to contemplate self-harm and,
eventually, they and their counselor concluded that inpatient
care was required.
If there is available space in the state's mental health
services, the person may receive the necessary care. However,
currently, mental health services have lengthy waitlists.
Without access to these services, returning to work could result
in immediate harm, making it necessary to quit their job.
Unfortunately, there are no protective measures or safety nets
in place. Client A, who once had excellent private insurance, is
now without both insurance and income but still requires mental
health treatment. They are now relying on Medicaid, food
assistance, and housing programs, which they previously
contributed to through taxes. However, these services have
extended waitlists due to the increased demand from Medicaid
users. For instance, in the United States, there are three
Medicaid-accepting community mental health organizations. One of
them does not accept non-Indian Health Service beneficiaries,
and another cannot provide information on the duration of its
current waitlist. The third organization has a waitlist of over
100 people, with an estimated one-year waiting period for
services.
2:24:52 PM
Client A is unable to access an inpatient bed due to the lack of
availability. Moreover, they have lost their previous mental
health provider who was covered by private insurance. Their next
step involves attempting to connect with the Division of
Vocational Rehab, but they face a lengthy waitlist of six months
or more just to undergo an evaluation before they can receive
workplace services. If they are presently functioning at a
certain level, their options are severely limited. They may have
no choice but to rely on government resources to navigate and
survive this challenging situation.
Client B finds themselves in a similar situation as Client A,
with excellent insurance and comprehensive coverage. They also
face a hostile work environment due to their gender identity.
However, in contrast to Client A's situation, Client B's
employer recognizes the potential harm caused by harassment and
chooses to take proactive measures to address and resolve this
discrimination, even though no legal requirements exist to do
so. Client B processes a trauma with their clinician, paid for
by their private health insurance. Client B collaborates with
their employer to improve the workplace environment rather than
relying on government resources to survive. Their taxes
contribute to these programs while they thrive. It's important
to note that the hostile workplace not only affects the clients
but also has a broader impact on the community and the mental
health of coworkers who are bystanders to mistreatment.
Discrimination in the workforce affects more than just those who
leave their jobs. Workplace morale significantly influences our
mental health. Ms. Wilson said she has seen the same
trajectories mentioned above in the Alaska housing situation as
well. This is not a potential scenario. This is an actual
scenario. This is the economic burden of discrimination that is
happening often. There is also a significant mental health
provider shortage, which she personally knows is impacted by the
lack of protection for LGBTQ+ individuals.
MS. WILSON stated that SB 108 will not only positively impact
the workplace and mental health of LGBTQ+ Alaskans, but also
reduce the economic burden of those who our legislation has
previously not protected.
2:27:21 PM
JOSH SMITH, representing self, Chugiak, Alaska, gave invited
testimony in support of SB 108. He said that is a 10-year US Air
Force veteran and a current resident of Chugiak, Alaska.
Military service has been a significant part of his family, with
both parents serving in the US Army. His family developed a
strong connection to Alaska when his father was stationed at
Fort Wainwright starting in 2001. Their family showed by example
the patriotic duty of military service and he and his brother
proudly enlisted.
He explained that he joined the military through the late entry
program during his senior year of high school. He felt pride in
serving but struggled as a closeted gay person due to the Don't
Ask Don't Tell policy, which prevented him from being open about
his sexuality, making it difficult to live authentically.
Serving his country came at the cost of the truth.
He found it difficult to reconcile the idea of integrity with
the Air Force core values because he had to hide his true
identity as a gay person in order to serve. He lived in constant
fear of revealing his true self and used alibis and cover
stories to avoid conversations about his identity, leading to
inauthentic interactions and a sense of moral compromise and
exhaustion.
He struggled with shame and dark thoughts for years, leading to
suicidal feelings and a suicide attempt. This experience had a
lasting impact on his self-worth and confidence, both in
personal and professional aspects of his life.
While serving in the military, the repeal of Don't Ask Don't
Tell brought some relief, but the military culture remained
conservative. He was still concealing his LGBTQ identity when he
heard colleagues making negative remarks about the LGBTQ
community. It took several years for the military culture to
change, allowing him to gradually open up to his closest
colleagues about his identity.
Some colleagues had an anticlimactic reaction when he revealed
his LGBTQ identity because they saw him as a fellow airman and
coworker. However, there were instances of discrimination that
were challenging to address. He had become accustomed to
periodic homophobia and discrimination after years of struggling
and believed it was the price to be tolerated at work. While he
felt good about being accepted by some, the prejudice from
leadership and older civilian employees eroded his self-worth.
2:29:49 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN said the connection with Mr. Smith was lost. He
advised him to call back and finish testifying.
2:30:23 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 108.
2:31:06 PM
MORGAN LIM, Lobbyist, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
(PPAA), Juneau, Alaska, testified in support of SB 108. He
stated that he was testifying on behalf of Planned Parenthood
Alliance Advocates Alaska (PPAA). PPAA strongly supports SB 108.
Everyone should be free to create families and build loving
relationships without facing discrimination. Every day there are
Alaskans who live in fear of being denied housing, turned away
from public services and rejected from financial opportunities
because of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual
orientation. Planned Parenthood knows that SB 108 is good for
public health and business. Because of discrimination, many
LGBTQ employees hide their identities at work, are paid less and
experience fewer employment opportunities than their non-LGBTQ
peers. This prejudice puts LGBTQ people at increased risk of
poor physical and mental health. Alaska has been denying LGBTQ
people their dignity by deeming their basic needs unnecessary of
protection. This sends a deeply stigmatizing message to
communities that the State of Alaska does not believe LGBTQ
persons deserve equal opportunities and protections.
2:33:20 PM
JOSH SMITH, having lost his connection, resumed his testimony.
He stated that in conversations with fellow LGBTQ military
members and veterans, he learned about their experiences of
ostracism, discrimination, bullying, and missed opportunities,
even after the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Despite cultural
shifts in the military, he remained cautious about revealing his
true identity outside the base, as there were no federal
workplace protections off the military installation.
In the home-buying process, he didn't involve his significant
other due to the absence of LGBTQ anti-discrimination
protection. He was being cautious about potential biases from
the realtor or bank. He felt compelled to create cover stories
in advance, reminiscent of the time under Don't Ask Don't Tell,
an experience he felt was unwelcome for anyone to endure. The
lack of protections necessitated secrecy and reminded him of
concealing his identity in the past.
In recent years, with the progress of LGBTQ protections in
Alaska, he has found a greater sense of comfort, allowing for
healing from years of shame and repression. He has discovered
that, much like the unit he served with, Alaskans are accepting
and loving, capable of uniting despite differences. Legal
protections and community acceptance have significantly aided
his ability to live openly with his husband. Embracing his true
identity has brought a newfound love for life and community. He
emphasized the need for the Alaskan government to acknowledge
that discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals, including
service members, dependents, children, and lifelong residents,
has no place in the state and calls for adequate protections for
all.
He said that every community member deserves to live free of
this prejudice. Language matters and without explicit
protections, the law falls on the side of the oppressor. This
bill is a significant step towards supporting not only current
LGBTQ military members and veterans, but also the past and
present LGBTQ Alaskans. Alaska is better than discrimination and
it's time for Alaska statutes to reflect this.
2:36:30 PM
NOEL WILLIAMS, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 108. He said a disturbing spike in transphobic and
homophobic rhetoric, discrimination and violence has occurred
over the last few years and this problem has been getting worse.
He addressed Senator Dunbar's question about the necessity of
the bill. He opined that it is not a good idea to rest the
rights of LGBTQ Alaskans on an overtly political US Supreme
Court. His profession currently involves information insecurity,
employing strategies of a layered defense to protect data. The
state constitution has long exceeded federal protections in some
very important ways, such as providing an explicit right to
privacy. He urged the committee to pass the bill as part of a
layered defense strategy to protect some of Alaska's most
vulnerable people.
2:38:00 PM
KC CASORT, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in
enthusiastic support of SB 108. She has been tracking this
subject for over a decade and she said she would like to see the
bill finally pass this year. When she started following the
bill, she printed out the bill language and highlighted all the
ways that queer people would be protected if the bill passed.
But highlighting all those things made her realize all the ways
that she and her peers were vulnerable to discrimination. In
2015, she emailed her representatives urging them to pass the
bill. Now it's been almost a decade and this bill is still being
debated, which means basic human rights are being debated and
then denied.
She said she is frustrated at how many consecutive years LGBTQ+
community members have come to these hearings and shared their
most terrifying moments of discrimination, but nothing changes
to prevent it from happening to someone else. Altruistically,
she opted to share some queer joy with the committee, inviting
other testifiers to do the same. She said that queer joy is
meeting queer folks in her community for the first time and
feeling like there was a possible future for herself that she
had not fathomed before. She said it is personal, similar to
coming out to her sister and it is shared, like when she co-
hosted an intergenerational virtual LGBTQ+ tea party in 2021.
The queer and trans joy in the state is so real and abundant.
There is room for everyone to experience it.
2:40:01 PM
JAMIE GIBSON, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 108. They said that they are a queer success
story, living independently and contently. They described their
current life in Alaska, stating that they have a strong queer
community and a good job. They present as their authentic self,
and feel grateful to be able to do so. They mentioned that they
need to be calculated with sharing their true self, as doing so
could place a target on their back. Alaska law has never been on
their side, so they have never felt safe in seeking help. Alaska
laws do not protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
people against discrimination.
As a youth, they watched countless "It Gets Better" videos
online and imagined a future in which they could safely go out
in public with their romantic partner and not have to think
about the threat of violence. News reports reveal numerous
attacks on queer and trans youth, such as bans on gender
affirming healthcare for young people, and legislation that is
designed to attack LGBTQ+ students by blocking trans girls from
sports. There are states that are forcibly detransitioning
transgender people, while other states are creating safe havens
for transgender people who are escaping such a fate. Politicians
are calling for the eradication of transgenderism.
They asserted that Alaskans deserve to be themselves. Alaskans
deserve to go to drag shows, host pride events, get married, and
start families. Alaskans deserve to exist in the same space as
everyone else with the same rights as everyone else.
2:42:24 PM
ROSE O'HARA-JOLLEY, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 108. They stated that they want to be
very clear that discrimination does happen in Alaska. They
shared that they kept parts of themselves hidden for years out
of fear of losing their job. They know of people who have been
evicted by landlords and kicked out of stores in the Interior.
Since having the privilege of being publicly out, many LGBTQ
Alaskans have confided to them that they are LGBTQ also, but
were afraid to go public. They said it breaks their heart to
know that there are so many people in the state who are not able
to live their full authentic lives. They posited that the
state's shocking outmigration statistics show that people are
moving to places where they feel free to build families and
futures. Upon being hired at Planned Parenthood, they were
provided the opportunity to add their pronouns to their email
signature, which triggered fear of past experiences. They said
this is the first job that they have had where they are fully
out and feel respected by every team member. They said the queer
community is not asking for extra, just equality.
2:44:49 PM
CRYSTAL HOWARD, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 108. She stated that Alaska currently does not
have a civil rights law that explicitly includes sexual
orientation and gender identity. The lack of such laws threatens
the basic dignity of LGBTQ+ people, sending a clear message that
their rights and wellbeing are not valued and are contingent on
the goodwill of others. Sexual orientation and gender identity
are integral aspects of individuality and should never lead to
discrimination or abuse.
About 80 percent of Americans are in favor of non-discrimination
protections regarding jobs, public accommodations, and housing.
The Supreme Court has made it clear that people have the right
not to be discriminated against on the basis of sex and receive
equal treatment under the law no matter their gender identity or
sexual orientation. Research shows that legal protections for
the queer community provide significant benefits for those
individuals as well as their broader communities. Equal rights
under the law improve mental and physical health, decrease
stigma, and lead to significant economic benefits for both
businesses and communities. She said the human rights of all
persons are universal and indivisible. Everyone should enjoy the
same fundamental human rights.
2:46:40 PM
MENEKA THIRU, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 108. She said she wants her friends, family and
loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community to have access to recourse if
they face discrimination in their employment or housing. Just
like everyone else, LGBTQ+ community members should have the
right to a safe work environment and access to housing. SB 108
is really the bare minimum to ensure safety and access for
LGBTQ+ persons.
2:47:20 PM
VALERIE BROOKS, representing self, Ketchikan, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 108. She said it was a pleasure to
wholeheartedly support SB 108 while simultaneously decrying the
need for such a bill. She quoted Senator Kawasaki's statement
that "the state of Alaska should be a place where business can
invest without fear of their employees being discriminated
against." She added that the state should strive to be a place
where all are treated with dignity and fairness in business,
housing, and all endeavors. This should include all residents
whether stationed in the military, other employees, private
citizens, or students. Ms. Wilson noted that discriminatory
practices in employment and housing discrimination can and do
have negative physical and mental health impacts for those
subject to these practices.
One focus of this bill is the business environment. In light of
that she pointed out that Alaska's tourist industry could be
impacted should this legislation fail to pass. If discrimination
in business or housing practices exist in this state, Alaska
will not be a destination for people who believe in fair
treatment of people. She said it is tragic to see discriminatory
legislation from the Lower 48 mirrored in some of the
legislation proposed in Alaska this year. Prohibiting
discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or
expression is the right thing to do for LGBTQ+ Alaskans and for
all Alaskans. Queer joy is witnessing two friends being happy
mamas to their twins. She reiterated support for SB 108.
2:49:13 PM
BRYAN MULKERN, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 108. He said he is an attorney and believes
that everybody who is an Alaskan citizen should have equal
standing under state laws and that it does a disservice to the
state to have a system whereby certain individuals have to live
in jeopardy and fear. This affects their economic, professional,
and educational decisions, and these types of effects begin at a
very young age. Someone who is considering whether or not they
want to establish a lifelong presence in Alaska is making
decisions about who they want to work for, what type of
investments they want to have, all based on where they're going
to feel comfortable. They would not actively choose to live in a
place that's going to encourage discrimination against them. The
current law provides carte blanche to individuals who have a
discriminatory agenda. The state is essentially saying that it
is open season to discriminate against LGBTQ+ persons and this
has been the case for many years.
To add to the confusion, for a brief period LGBTQ individuals
across the state did have some protection. However, the
protections cannot be relied upon because they change as
administrations change. He posited that it would be in the best
interest of Alaskans and himself as a gay man, that Alaska pass
SB 108 and finally protect LGBTQ individuals from
discrimination.
2:51:17 PM
AL SMITH, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 108. They stated that as obvious as gender and
sex-based non-discrimination in employment and housing might
have been, this is another opportunity to make a sustainable
foundation for our lives and society moving forward. Removing
one more barrier from those who have endured an undue proportion
of discrimination is absolutely in everyone's interest.
Divesting from hatred is an energy savings.
2:51:57 PM
KATE VEH, representing self, Soldotna, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 108. She stated that she fully supports this
legislation. She is straight and a trans ally. She has seen her
LGBTQ friends picked on a lot over the last few decades. She
said it is time to move into a future where everyone is
accepting of others. She believes LGBTQ people need this
protection.
2:52:46 PM
JENNIFER CROSBY, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 108. She said she was testifying on behalf of
herself and as an older sister to an LGBT+ person. She expressed
strong support for this bill. She said it breaks her heart and
angers her that this process is needed but she feels that it is
necessary. She said hatred is becoming so much stronger. She
posited that everyone should be protected equally under the law.
2:53:33 PM
RICK ANDERSON, representing self, Nome, Alaska, expressed
support for SB 108.
2:54:01 PM
ANDREW PACE, representing self, Palmer, Alaska, testified in
adamant support of SB 108 and to applaud the effort to protect
every member of Alaska's communities. He opined that the recent
push to eradicate and to erase LGBTQ+ persons justifies any and
all legislation and legislative protections of their fundamental
human rights. He is a parent of two and said he was heartened to
witness Alaskans rallying around opportunities to engage with
each other in compassion, openness, and interpersonal integrity.
2:54:58 PM
NAOMI SPAR, representing self, Ketchikan, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 108. She is a 26-year-old trans student. She came
to Alaska at the age of 17 on a tugboat. She went to Bethel and
was surprised, but understood what Alaska is like. Since then,
she has made her career in Alaska and traveled all over. She
expected Alaska to be very conservative but met a lot of queer
people all over the state. She doesn't use her voice often
because she typically just observes and learns. But now she has
been here for quite a while and Alaska is her home. She said
LGBTQ people have been communicating and everyone is scared. The
LGBTQ community members have all faced discrimination through
the years. She expressed that she would appreciate it if Alaska
supported her and the LGBTQ community because she is doing good
and wants to keep going. With Alaska's public support, that
change will happen.
2:56:23 PM
JOSHUA KNICELY, representing self, North Pole, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 108. He stated that LGBTQ+ grows the economy.
He is a graduate student at UAF. He urged the committee to
support SB 108. All Alaskans deserve equal protection and
treatment under the law. He said the idea that he would need to
say anything further in support of this bill is pathetic. People
are people and should all be protected equally by their
government. Recent attacks against the LGBT+ community, such as
the governor's version of the "Don't Say Gay" bill, make it very
clear he does need to say more. He made a case for Alaskan
business. Economies with diverse people are stronger, grow
faster, and are more resilient. Conversely, economies without
diverse people perform far worse. Considering how much Alaska is
lagging behind the rest of the US, it seems a pretty obvious
truth.
By protecting the LGBT+ community, Alaska will be growing the
economy. If Alaska refuses to protect the LGBT+ community, it
will shrink the economy. He urged the committee to support SB
108.
2:57:50 PM
XOCHITL MUNOZ, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified
in strong support of SB 108. She recently moved to the state
from California, is a UAF college student and is part of the
LGBTQ community. She loves Alaska and wants to stay for a long
time, but she is hesitant and scared to be here because Alaska
has weak laws protecting the LGBTQ community. She did not want
to lose her rights by moving to Alaska. She said that she was
grateful and frankly surprised that she has found so many
incredibly supportive people in Fairbanks. But in spite of the
support, she said it feels much scarier in Alaska because unlike
where she's from, she can be legally discriminated against for
who she is and how she looks. This bill will protect her and her
community and send the message that LGBTQ persons are welcome in
Alaska, belong in Alaska, and will be protected in Alaska.
2:58:53 PM
BROOK BEVERIDGE, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 108. She urged the committee to pass the bill.
2:59:15 PM
JESSICA ROSADO, representing self, Denali Park, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 108. She stated that as an openly
queer woman and Alaskan resident, she supports SB 108. She
thanked Senator Kawasaki for introducing the bill. She expressed
that it is refreshing to discuss the potential of civil rights
and recognizing protections for all. She posited that equality
in Alaska is a remarkable concept, especially amidst the
darkness of hatred, fear, and unwillingness to understand or see
others that is spreading once again across the country and the
state.
3:00:18 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 108 and held the
bill in committee.