Assembly adds gender expression to equal rights ordinance

Assembly members Jesse Kiehl and Debbie White listen to the City Attorney Amy Mead. (Photo by Lakeidra Chavis/ KTOO)
Assembly members Jesse Kiehl and Debbie White listen to City Attorney Amy Mead July 25, 2015. (Photo by Lakeidra Chavis/KTOO)

The Juneau Assembly has made changes to the proposed Juneau Equal Rights Ordinance, which would create non-discrimination laws for the capital city.

If passed, it would add protections under sexual orientation, gender identity and, in the newest draft, gender expression.

During a work session Monday evening, the assembly focused most of its time on the ordinance, now in its second draft.

Some of the proposed changes included adding ministerial exemptions. If included, the exemption would allow an educational religious institution to consider the applicant’s religion. The assembly did not make a final decision on including the exemption, and asked the City Attorney Amy Mead for possible alternate language.

The assembly voted to delete a section regarding discrimination in public activities or programs that receive grants or other forms of financial assistance from the city. Assembly members Jesse Kiehl and Loren Jones agreed it was a non-issue within the ordinance.

Another changed focused on housing, adding the lessee, or renter, as an individual allowed to make housing preferences. Owners already have this freedom.

The assembly will go through the third draft of the ordinance at its next Committee of the Whole meeting Aug. 15, where it will hear public comments.

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