State of Alaska Archives: on Civil Rights


Al Gross: Served his patients regardless of orientation or gender

Q: Support gay marriage and other LGBTQ Rights?

Al Gross: Yes. "As a doctor, I worked for the health and well-being of my patients regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a senator, I will do the same."

Dan Sullivan: No. Has opposed same sex marriage. Sponsored 2015 act that would prevent government sanctions against contractors whose religious beliefs led them to discriminate against LGTBQ couples.

Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alaska Senate race Oct 10, 2020

Bill Walker: Modernize voter registration & vote online

We increased access to the polls for Alaskans with limited English proficiency. We also now have a language assistance coordinator to ensure all Alaskans can exercise the right to vote. In addition, we are modernizing our voter registration system. As of November 24, Alaskans can register to vote online. Nearly 1,000 Alaskans have already done so.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Alaska legislature Jan 21, 2016

Dan Sullivan: Opposes gay marriage

While Sullivan sidesteps some policy questions with the caution of a practiced lawyer, on two big social issues the lifelong Catholic has a ready answer: He's anti-abortion, except in cases of rape or incest or when a mother's life is in danger, and he opposes gay marriage. While Sullivan sidesteps some policy questions with the caution of a practiced lawyer, on two big social issues the lifelong Catholic has a ready answer: He's anti-abortion, except in cases of rape or incest or when a mother's life is in danger, and he opposes gay marriage.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2014 Alaska Senate race Apr 19, 2014

Dan Sullivan: Would allow LGBTQ discrimination for religious reasons

Q: Support gay marriage and other LGBTQ Rights?

Dan Sullivan: No. Has opposed same sex marriage. Sponsored 2015 act that would prevent government sanctions against contractors whose religious beliefs led them to discriminate against LGTBQ couples.

Al Gross: Yes. "As a doctor, I worked for the health and well-being of my patients regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a senator, I will do the same."

Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alaska Senate race Oct 10, 2020

Joe Miller: No openly gay members in the military

Q: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support allowing openly-gay men and women to serve in the United States military?

A: No.

Source: Alaska Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test Sep 9, 2010

Joe Miller: End affirmative action programs

Q: Should the federal government end affirmative action programs?

A: Yes.

Source: Alaska Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test Sep 9, 2010

Joe Miller: Opposes ENDA; ok to decide whether a business serves gays

Q: The Employment Non-Discrimination Act that passed the Senate--would you have voted for it?

A: No. I would not have. No, I think that private employers should be able to make decisions as to what they do in their private businesses, and I think the people then are entitled to make decisions as to whether or not they use their services. They can boycott. If, for example, somebody that is a traditionalist, that believes in traditional marriage, that runs a bakery for weddings, should necessarily be compelled to do something that's against their conscience.

Q: Should a hotel be able to turn away a couple because they're gay?

A: I believe that if you're a private employer, you have the right to do what you want with respect to your business, and that the people of the country then have the right to do as they will, with respect to whether or not they boycott or take other action to financially penalize. I don't think the government has a role in that.

Source: Salon.com 2014 CPAC interview on 2014 Alaska Senate race Mar 10, 2014

Joe Miller: Let states decide about gay rights & minority rights

Q: Should a hotel be able to turn away a couple because they're gay?

A: I believe that if you're a private employer, you have the right to do what you want with respect to your business. And if somebody wants something like that, then they should be encouraged to move to a state that provides for that. At the federal level, the better thing is not to impose the one-size-solution-fits-all, but to reduce the involvement of the federal government, in favor of the people in the states.

Q: So at the federal level, then, should it be legal for that hotel to turn someone away because they're African-American?

A: I'm a state's right advocate in those areas.

Q: So should a restaurant then be able to turn someone away because they're African-American?

Q: I've said my piece on that.

Q: And so would you repeal the Civil Rights Act?

Q: Of course not. I've said my piece on the issue of ENDA. That was your specific question, that's my response to it.

Source: Salon.com 2014 CPAC interview on 2014 Alaska Senate race Mar 10, 2014

Joe Miller: Concerned over dissolution of traditional family

Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.

Miller: Strongly Agree.

Question topic: Briefly list political or legislative issues of most concern to you.

Miller: Dissolution of traditional family (majority of children born to mothers under 30 are born to single headed households. Culture cannot survive this).

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Alaska Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Joe Miller: Supreme Court voided the majority on same-sex marriage

Left-wing lawyers clothed in black robes have imposed their twisted view of law and morality on the country with breathtaking speed. Americans overwhelming rejected same-sex marriage at the ballot box. Incredibly, federal judges have arrogantly reversed the decisions of voters in most of those states. And now, in Obergefell v. Hodges, the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to void the few remaining pro-traditional marriage laws, nationwide.

Despite the federal judiciary's near full-body embrace of homosexual marriage, such sexual couplings are not equally accepted by ordinary Americans. The elites have a completely different view.

So what can be done? Obviously, there is no court above the U.S. Supreme Court from which discipline may be applied. The only answer for justices who blatantly violate their Code of Conduct, federal law, and their oaths of office is impeachment and removal.

Source: 2016 Alaska Senate campaign website JoeMiller.us Jun 17, 2015

Kelly Tshibaka: Recall offensive personalized license plates

Alaska Department of Administration Commissioner Kelly Tshibaka has released the following statement regarding Alaska's Personalized Plates Program:

Over the weekend, we were made aware several Alaskans were concerned about messages conveyed on Alaska personalized vehicle registration plates. The DMV has a recall process in place should a plate be issued that later is determined to be inappropriate or offensive, which was used in this circumstance.

[The plate in question: 3REICH.]

Source: Anchorage Press on 2022 Alaska Senate race Jan 25, 2021

Kelly Tshibaka: Won't engage in discrimination based on sexual orientation

Some Democratic legislators have asked if I will discriminate against people on the basis of their sexual orientation. So let me be absolutely clear: I will not engage in such discrimination, nor have I ever engaged in such discrimination. I have a long career as a senior leader in the federal government, in which I've consistently celebrated, embraced and respected diversity. I will continue to live by that standard as the Commissioner of the Department of Administration.
Source: Must Read Alaska on 2022 Alaska Senate race Mar 6, 2019

Kelly Tshibaka: Wrote anti-gay article in law school, no longer her view

Her most controversial story came from an October 11, 2001, article entitled "The Right Side: Coming out of Homosexuality." Tshibaka urged gay people to "not be controlled by the 'once-gay-always-gay-rhetoric' used to advance political agendas." Tshibaka told CNN, "I strongly believe that we should treat all people with respect and dignity. The student article was assigned to me by an editor as a counterpoint piece about 20 years ago, and I don't hold that point of view today."
Source: CNN KFile, "Twilight," on 2022 Alaska Senate race Apr 27, 2021

Lisa Murkowski: Improve conditions in Alaska Native villages

Much progress has been made in improving conditions in the traditional Alaska Native villages of rural Alaska. Yet too many Native people still live in "third world" conditions. Some have migrated to urban Alaska in order to provide a better life for their children, causing some to refer to Anchorage as "the largest Native village in Alaska."

In the U.S. Senate, I am regarded as a champion for the advancement of Alaska's Native people, as well as all of America's first peoples. I presently serve as the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). A top priority of this committee is ensuring that Alaska's Native people get all of the land promised to them by the federal government. In 2004, Congress took the first step toward that end by passing the Alaska Land Transfer Acceleration Act.

Source: Vote-USA.org on 2011 Alaska Senate incumbents Jan 1, 2011

Mark Begich: Added sexual orientation to Anchorage non-discrimination law

When Mark Begich was on the Anchorage Assembly, he was the principal sponsor for the temporarily successful effort in 1993 to add sexual orientation to the city's non-discrimination ordinance. He also helped to obtain funding for Out North.

As Mayor of Anchorage, Begich spoke at the Pride Conference, visited the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Anchorage (GLCCA), and came to the Celebrating Diversity Parade. This year, he read the Anchorage Pride Day proclamation from the stage, his son standing next to him.

In 2005, when the Alaska Supreme Court ordered the state and the Municipality of Anchorage to offer benefits for employees with same-sex partners, Begich supported the ruling and implemented the benefits for city personnel.

Begich promotes Diverse-City events that "combat bias and promote a respect for diversity," including sexual orientation. He appointed members of the LGBT community to the Equal Rights Commission, and has several members in his mayoral administration.

Source: Bent Alaska, "Senator-elect's Record" Nov 18, 2008

Mary Peltola: LGBTQ+ Alaskans deserve to be protected under the law

LGBTQ+ Alaskans are valued neighbors, loved ones, and members of our communities, and they deserve to be protected to the fullest extent of the law. The Equality Act must be passed to prevent unfair and unlawful discrimination. I will work hard to see that through, with no exceptions, so that everyone in Alaska can live and love without fear.
Source: 2022 Alaska House campaign website MaryPeltola.com Sep 1, 2022

Mary Peltola: As a Native woman, I understand Alaskan diversity

I'm a lifelong Alaskan with broad experience serving the diverse needs of our state. As a state lawmaker, I led bipartisan coalitions to pass legislation that improved schools, fisheries, and public health in rural communities. As the director of a nonprofit organization, I helped establish a partnership between Native and rural Alaskans and the federal government to protect Alaska salmon. As a Native woman, I understand that Alaskans are a diverse people who need leaders who can unite us.
Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska House incumbent May 2, 2022

Mead Treadwell: I will defend traditional marriage

As your Lieutenant Governor I have sworn an oath to defend our state's constitution and our constitution clearly states marriage is between one man and one woman. Marriage is a sacrament of the church and I will defend traditional marriage as it is defined by our state's constitution.
Source: 2014 Senate campaign website, TreadwellAlaska.com, "Issues" Oct 9, 2013

Mead Treadwell: Allow transgendered to correct gender on driver's license

Miller's supporters distributed news clippings about Mr. Treadwell that could be infuriating to a socially conservative audience: That in 2012 he agreed to allow transgendered people to "correct the gender marker" on their Alaska driver's license and that he blocked a measure that would have allowed a statewide referendum to outlaw abortion. During the debate, Mr. Treadwell said the initiative would have been unconstitutional and acted on advice of the state's lawyers.

But Miller used the episode to attack Treadwell. "You know, we heard that argument before, 'I was just following orders,'" Miller said. "The question to you is do you take an oath to the Constitution or to the Supreme Court, Mead?" Treadwell was not allowed a rebuttal by the debate's moderator.

Source: Wall Street Journal on 2014 Alaska Senate debate Aug 5, 2014

Mike Chenault: Lambasted laughing at same-sex equality issue, apologizes

Miller asked the Republican House caucus if they would support legally recognized civil unions or domestic partnerships for same sex couples in Alaska. He got his answer--uproarious laughter. Leading the bellowing guffaws were Speaker of the House Mike Chenault. "I completely agree: laughter was inappropriate. However, it's clear from the totality of the response the laughter was in reaction to which legislator had to field the difficult question, and did not go to the merits of the issue."
Source: Huffington Post on 2018 Alaska Gubernatorial race Dec 6, 2017

Ray Metcalfe: Apply affirmative action to state college & state employment

Q: On Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity or gender be taken into account in state agencies' decisions on college and university admissions?

A: Yes.

Q: On public employment?

A: Yes.

Q: ?

A: Yes.

Q: On state contracting?

A: Yes.

Source: Alaska Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2002

Sarah Palin: Vetoed bill denying benefits to gays, as unconstitutional

Ms. Palin said she supported Alaska's decision to amend its Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. But she used her first veto as governor to block a bill that would have prohibited the state from granting health benefits to same-sex partners of public employees. Ms. Palin said she vetoed the bill because it was unconstitutional, but raised the possibility of amending the state Constitution so the ban could pass muster.
Source: N.Y. Times, pp. A1&A10 on Alaska Voting Records HB4001 Aug 29, 2008

Sarah Palin: Value our cultural diversity

Sarah Palin and Sean Parnell are a New Team with New Energy for Alaska who value our cultural diversity and will provide opportunities for all Alaskans.
Source: Palin-Parnell campaign booklet: New Energy for Alaska Nov 3, 2006

Sarah Palin: Prefers term "anti-rural" to "anti-Native"

Things got ugly in the final round when former state Sen. Georgianna Lincoln called in, steamed about a first-round jab aimed at Knowles. Near the beginning of the debate, a caller had asked Knowles about a flier circulating in rural Alaska that describes Palin as "anti-Native." When Knowles denied such a flier, Palin told the caller: "I think you're referring to the anti-Native e-mails" being sent by paid Knowles staff members. She mentioned Lincoln, who doesn't work for Knowles, by name.

When challenged by Lincoln, Palin changed her description of the e-mails from "anti-Native" to "anti-rural."

"You're changing your story right now!" Knowles said, tasting blood. The hour ended with Knowles saying Palin owed Lincoln an apology.

Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: ADN coverage of radio debate Nov 3, 2006

Sarah Palin: Special legislative session on same-sex health benefits

Asked about Gov. Frank Murkowski's call for a special legislative session on same-sex health benefits, Knowles said the session is unnecessary. But Palin said the question was not simply about health care benefits, it was an extension of voters' definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: AP coverage of public TV debate Nov 3, 2006

Sarah Palin: ADA brings expanded freedom to Americans with disabilities

Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Proclamation, "ADA" Jul 28, 2008

Sarah Palin: Recognize Juneteenth to celebrate the end of slavery

Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Proclamation, "Juneteenth" Jun 17, 2008

Sarah Palin: HIV/AIDS among Alaska Natives is public health crisis

Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Proclamation, "Native HIV" Mar 4, 2008

Sarah Palin: Recognize Martin Luther King holiday

Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Proclamation, "MLK Day" Jan 14, 2008

Sarah Palin: Comply with same-sex partner benefits despite disagreement

Governor Sarah Palin today announced that, per the recent ruling of the Supreme Court of Alaska, the State of Alaska's regulations are in effect to begin providing state benefits to same sex partners beginning January 1, 2007. "The Supreme Court has ordered adoption of the regulations by the State of Alaska to begin providing benefits January 1," said Governor Palin. "We have no more judicial options. We may disagree with the rationale behind the ruling, but our responsibility is to proceed forward with the law and follow the Constitution."

In addition to adoption of the regulations, Governor Palin signed HB4002 today, which calls for a statewide advisory vote, proposed by the Legislature during its November special session. "I disagree with the recent court decision because I feel as though Alaskans spoke on this issue with its overwhelming support for a Constitutional Amendment in 1998 which defined marriage as between a man and woman. But the Supreme Court has spoken and the state will abide.

Source: Alaska Governor's Office: Press release 06-012, "Same Sex" Dec 20, 2006

Sarah Palin: Respected court ruling allowing same-sex state benefits

I had been in office two weeks when the Alaska Supreme Court required us to offer health benefits to the same-sex partners of state employees.

I support the traditional definition of marriage. One man & one woman to make a marriage. And I don't support efforts that can lead to changing that definition.

But on this issue in Alaska, the court was the lawful interpreter of the state Constitution. The promise I had made when being sworn into office was to uphold the Constitution. That meant I would be bound by the judiciary's ruling. So when conservatives in the legislature passed a bill that would prohibit state benefits for same-sex couples, the court ruled it unconstitutional, so I vetoed it.

A few angry lawmakers visited my office, outraged that I hadn't bucked the court. A couple of them said I should have been willing to go to jail over the issue.

And if the people want to amend the Constitution via referendum, I told the lawmakers, they have the right to battle it out and do so.

Source: Going Rogue, p.143 on Alaska Voting Records HB4001 Nov 17, 2009

Tony Knowles: No special legislative session on same-sex health benefits

Asked about Gov. Frank Murkowski's call for a special legislative session on same-sex health benefits, Knowles said the session is unnecessary. But Palin said the question was not simply about health care benefits, it was an extension of voters' definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.
Source: Alaska 2006 Governor Debate: AP coverage of public TV debate Nov 3, 2006

Edgar Blatchford: I support expanding opportunities for people of color

Q: Achievement gaps persist in the Anchorage School District among economic, racial and ethnic groups of students. What would you do to address the gaps and what should the district do to close them?

A: I see the results of a high school education in my classroom. I think I have learned a thing or two. The first is BIPOC teachers who reflect the diversity of the greater Anchorage community. One person who identifies with a minority group can be all the reason why a student is motivated to reach for the highest fruit on the highest tree. The ASB of the future should not be a board where the members all look the same. I support every opportunity to expand the opportunities for people of color.

Source: Anchorage Daily News on 2022 Alaska Senate race Aug 12, 2022

  • The above quotations are from State of Alaska Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Civil Rights.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2016 Presidential contenders on Civil Rights:
  Republicans:
Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
Carly Fiorina(CA)
Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
Gov.George Pataki(NY)
Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
Democrats:
Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

2016 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
Robert Steele(L-NY)
Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023