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.