News (USA)

Anchorage assembly takes no action to override Mayor’s veto

Debbie OssianderThe Anchorage Assembly has less than two weeks left to override the mayor’s veto of the gay rights ordinance, but the first opportunity to do so came and went Tuesday night, as the assembly took no action.

The ordinance’s author, Patrick Flynn, says the Assembly would have to start all over if it wants to pass the ordinance because it simply does not have the support.

It would take eight votes to override the mayor’s veto and the ordinance only passed seven votes.

Assembly Chairwoman Debbie Ossiander (pictured), considered the most likely swing vote, said before Tuesday night’s Assembly meeting that she still opposes the measure as passed on Aug. 11.

Flynn says the measure was an attempt to ban discrimination and guarantee equal rights in employment, housing, finance and public accommodations for gays, lesbians and transgender people.

Critics say it would intrude on freedom of religion.

Mayor Dan Sullivan vetoed the anti-discrimination ordinance a week ago. Under city law, the Assembly has 21 days from that time to consider an override.

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