In Alaska State Comm’n for Human Rights v. Yellow Cab, 611 P.2d 487 (Alaska 1980), the Alaska Supreme Court upheld the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights’ finding that Yellow Cab unlawfully discriminated on the basis of gender by refusing to hire a woman as a cab driver solely because of her gender.
The Alaska State Constitution is the fundamental governing document of the State of Alaska, serving as the supreme law of Alaska, subordinate only to the U.S. Constitution and federal law. It establishes the framework of state government, defines the powers and responsibilities of its legislative, executive, and judicial branches, secures individual rights through a Declaration of Rights, and sets rules for resource management, local government, and public finance.
Alaska Stat. § 11.41.455 prohibits a person from knowingly inducing, employing, or recording a child under 18 in sexually explicit conduct including penetration, lewd touching, masturbation, bestiality, sexual masochism or sadism, or exhibition. It also holds a parent, guardian, or custodian criminally liable if they knowingly permit a child to engage in such conduct for purposes of recording or depiction. The offense is a class A felony, or an unclassified felony if the child is under 13 or the offender has prior convictions.
Alaska Stat. § 11.61.120 establishes the offense of harassment in the second degree, which is punishable as a class B misdemeanor. The statute requires that the actor intend to harass or annoy another person and identifies multiple prohibited actions.
Alaska Stat. § 11.61.123 makes it a crime to knowingly view, or to produce a picture of, the private exposure of another’s genitals, anus, or female breast, without proper consent or statutory authority. Each instance of viewing or each creation of an image is treated as a separate offense. The statute excludes conduct by law enforcement while acting under their authority for law enforcement purposes. It provides as an affirmative defense of lawful security surveillance with posted notice or photography undertaken solely for crime prevention or prosecution.
Alaska Stat. § 11.61.124 prohibits individuals aged eighteen or older from soliciting or producing indecent images of minors under circumstances not already governed by § 11.41.455 or § 11.61.123.
Section 18.65.850 of the Alaska statutes allows a person who reasonably believes they are a victim of stalking or sexual assault (outside the context of domestic violence) to petition a district or superior court for a protective order.
Section 18.66.100 allows a person who has experienced domestic violence in Alaska to ask the court for a protective order against a current or former household member. A parent or guardian can file on behalf of a minor. After providing at least ten days' notice and holding a hearing, the court can take several steps to help keep the petitioner safe.
Alaska Stat. § 18.80.220 prohibits employment discrimination by private employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies on the basis of personal characteristics that are unrelated to job performance. Covered characteristics include race, religion, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sex, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, and parenthood.
Alaska Stat. § 21.36.430 protects individuals who have experienced domestic violence, as well as those who provide services to such individuals, from discriminatory treatment by insurers. Under this statute, an insurer may not deny, cancel, refuse to renew, limit coverage, deny a valid claim, or raise premiums solely on the basis of a person’s status as a domestic violence survivor or service provider.
