ADN Editorial Editor Opposes Prop 5

C.S. Lewis said "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point."

As we fully expected, the Anchorage Daily News came out on their editorial page in support of Prop. 5. What took us a bit back was this small statement at the bottom of the editorial. It was titled simply "A dissent" and it was written by Frank Gerjevic, the Editorial Page Editor for our State's largest and most "progressive" newspaper.

"Over the years the Anchorage Daily News has taken a forthright position in favor of gay rights, of including sexual orientation and gender identity in the city's antidiscrimination law. The newspaper has practiced what it's preached in its own hiring."

"Those policies continue with today's editorial."

"Having worked here for more than 30 years, I can say that I'm glad to work at a newspaper that aims to hire good people, no matter what their sexual orientation. I wouldn't want to work for a newspaper that refused to hire someone only because he or she was gay."

"At the same time, I don't support the initiative amending the city's equal rights law to include gay and transgender people. I have reservations about the measure for both practical and symbolic reasons."

"Yes, there's a contradiction at work here, at least on the surface. But this is a yes vote I can't quite cast, and an editorial I can't honestly write, so I didn't write this one. Because it's only my name listed as editorial writer, this is for the record."

I think it is important that Mr. Gerjevic's stand get a wider audience. It is not listed on the Anchorage Daily News website under the editorial page support statement.

Mr. Gerjevic is most definitely not a homophobe or a bigot. I think those who work with Frank might verify that. He works side by side with people who adamantly disagree with him. And yet, Prop. 5 brought hesitations and conflictions that caused him to cast a NO vote on Prop. 5.

To those who are still undecided, take heart. Do not let those supporting Prop. 5 make you believe that a YES vote is the only "progressive" and "tolerant" way to vote tomorrow. There are many reasons to vote NO on Prop. 5 but one thing is certain. Opposing this misguided law that has serious negative implications for liberty in our community does not make you something that you are not.

Vote your conscience when you close the curtains behind you and join me in moving our community ahead toward a better place, regardless of the outcome of this election.