Appointment of transgender man irks conservative Alaska lawmakers

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska Gov. Bill Walker's appointment of a transgender man to the state human rights commission has evoked displeasure from conservative lawmakers.

The state senate voted Wednesday to delay a joint session on whether to confirm Walker's appointments, KTOO-FM (http://bit.ly/2oCMk1M) reported.

The state's sex discrimination ban is in jeopardy of changing to include gender identity and sexual orientation if Drew Phoenix of Fairbanks is selected, those opposing the nomination have said.

Phoenix previously served as executive director of an Alaska LGBT advocacy organization. He also is an ordained Methodist minister, according to the report.

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