LGBT rights in Alaska
LGBT rights in Alaska | |
---|---|
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Status | Legal since 1980 |
Gender identity | Altering sex on birth certificate requires SRS |
Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation protections in state employment |
Family rights | |
Recognition of relationships | Same sex marriage legal since 2014 |
Adoption | Yes |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the U.S. state of Alaska face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT Alaskans. Same-sex sexual activity is legal nationwide. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the state since a U.S. district court declared Alaska's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage unconstitutional on October 12, 2014.
Law regarding same-sex sexual activity
Alaska repealed its sodomy law in 1980.[1]
Same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage is legal in Alaska following a ruling of a district court judge on October 12, 2014.
Adoption and parenting
Alaska permits adoption by an unmarried adult without regard to sexual orientation. Lower state courts have allowed some second parent adoptions by gay and lesbian couples, though state court has ruled in a case where such an adoption is disputed.[2]
Discrimination protection
An executive order prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in state employment since 2002. There is no provision for gender identity in any law.[3] Representative Andy Josephson filed a bill banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity,[4] the bill is HB 19 and has two co-sponsors.[5] A non-discrimination ordinance was passed in the Municipality of Anchorage that protects LGBT people.[6]
Hate crime laws
State law does not address hate crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation.[7]
See also
References
- ^ "Alaska Sodomy Law". Hrc.org. March 12, 2007. Retrieved November 2, 2013.
- ^ Human Rights Campaign: Alaska Adoption Law, accessed May 15, 2011
- ^ Human Rights Campaign: Alaska Non-Discrimination Law, accessed May 15, 2011
- ^ Bowman, Bonney (March 12, 2015). "Alaska ranks low on LGBT discrimination issues". KTVA Alaska. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
- ^ "An Act adding to the powers and duties of the State Commission for Human Rights; and relating to and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression". Alaska State Legislature. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
- ^ "Anchorage Passes Non-Discrimination Ordinance, Forty Percent of Alaska Now Protected." Human Rights Campaign, 30 Sept. 2015. Web. 11 Oct. 2015. <http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/anchorage-passes-non-discrimination-ordinance-forty-percent-of-alaska-now-p>.
- ^ Human Rights Campaign: Alaska Hate Crimes Law, accessed May 15, 2011