Lawmakers deny transgender man for human rights post

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – The Alaska Legislature has rejected the appointment of Drew Phoenix, a transgender man, to serve on the state’s human rights commission.
Leading up to Tuesday’s vote, some conservative groups sought to paint Phoenix, who has advocated for LGBT rights, as too political for the post.
Sen. Bill Wielechowski, an Anchorage Democrat who supported Phoenix’s nomination, noted during debate that Phoenix is transgender.
Wielechowski asked whether the state is