As a 25-year Juneau resident, I deeply appreciate that the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly took the forward step in August 2016 by voting 8-1 to provide equal protection for all minority members of the community, including LGBTQ. This vote had strong support across the political divide. Conservative Assembly members then-Mayor Ken Koelsch, Mary Becker and Debbie White voted for equality.
Several of Juneau’s Christian leaders, including Father Gordon Blue, Reverend Sue Bahleda and Pastor Phil Campbell gave passionate testimony in support of the ordinance. Freda Westman of Alaska Native Sisterhood and Norton Gregory, then-Assembly member, eloquently spoke for equality. The Assembly’s action showed the world that our town remains true to bright signs at the airport and docks, ”Welcome to Juneau.”
Jerry Nankervis was the lone no vote. He complained about the ordinance’s length, execution and language. He said he feared the ordinance would force landlords to rent to Satanic groups. I was in the chambers during this historic vote, and I heard him additionally say, “This ordinance is not needed, and I vote no.”
Ordinance 2016-23 allowed Juneau to join Anchorage and more than 100 U.S. cities and 19 states with similar LGBTQ protections.
29 people testified in support of equal rights. Many had tears as they shared their Juneau stories of losing jobs, being kicked out of housing, being turned away from public places. One young man said “all I want to do is work hard and pay my bills but I just got fired last month when my seafood-processing supervisor found out I was gay.”
Juneau has a robust history of equal rights thanks to Elizabeth and Roy Peratrovich, Alaska Native Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood. The Nankervis No remains a loud no, un-amended, unrepaired.
Someone who opposes equal rights cannot accurately represent Juneau in the state Legislature. Fortunately, Andi Story has strongly supported equality during her five-terms on the Juneau School Board. Vote no on Jerry Nankervis. Vote yes for equal rights. Vote yes for Story.
Lin Davis,
Juneau
• My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.