Override of Anchorage Veto Unlikely

The Anchorage assembly took no action Tuesday to override the mayor's veto of an LGBT rights ordinance, missing its first opportunity to reverse what appears to be the likely defeat of the measure, reports the Anchorage Daily News.

Mayor Dan Sullivan (pictured) vetoed the non-discrimination ordinance last week, saying that he believed it was unnecessary and that most constituents had expressed opposition to it.

The ordinance, which passed by a vote of 7 to 4 on August 11 after an emotional debate, would ban discrimination against LGBT people in employment, housing, finance, and public accommodations.

Eight votes are needed in the assembly to override the mayor's veto, and there is no indication that any legislator has changed his or her mind. Legislators have 21 days from the veto date of August 17 to accomplish the override.

Assembly chairwoman Debbie Ossiander, who is considered a possible swing vote, said she has received hundreds of e-mails and phone calls each day from all over the country. However, she continues to oppose the measure as written because of the compliance requirements she believes it may impose on businesses.