Ketchikan, Alaska (KINY) – Despite the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly adopting an anti-discrimination resolution on a 6-1 vote, Borough Mayor Rodney Dial said he plans to veto it.
Assembly Members Amanda Pierce and Sven Westergard requested the Assembly consider the resolution supporting action by the Alaska Legislature to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
A number of citizens testified in favor of the resolution.
Assembly member Susan Lee Pickrell voted no, and member Alan Bailey passed on the vote (did not vote).
Dial cited the First Amendment and possible forcing of Christian-owned businesses to act outside of their faith.
“I simply can’t have any part of this because of my faith,” Dial said.
