Arguing Alaska: Anti-Discrimination and Religious Freedom Debate, Sept. 30

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 5:30-7 p.m. Bear Tooth Theatrepub (1230 W. 27th Ave.)

When David & Charlie asked Masterpiece Cakeshop in Colorado to bake them a wedding cake, they hardly expected their request would be denied by the owner on the grounds of his religious beliefs. Their story has not only sparked a long legal battle about the rights of individuals to access services, but a broader social question of how we best balance equality with religious freedom. Should we allow individuals or business the right to refuse services to members of the LGBT community on the grounds of religious freedom?

Twenty-one states have enacted legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of one's sexuality, and Alaska has been grappling with the same question since 2008, when similar legislation failed. Now, as the Anchorage Assembly considers its own expansion of anti-discrimination legislation, members of the community react with mixed emotions ranging from enthusiasm to fear of encroachment on their rights. Join us for a public debate that will attempt to shed some light on this complex controversy.

The motion: "Individuals and organizations ought to be free to refuse service to patrons on the basis of religious objection."

Ticket proceeds benefit the UAA Seawolf Debate Program. Learn more and buy tickets at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub website.

September Archive