Elizabeth Peratrovich Feb. 16th

Governor Ernest Gruening signing the Anti-Discimination Bill, 1945. Photo courtesy Anchorage Museum of History & Art

Alaska History Video

First Alaskans Magazine

The Anti-Discrimination bill was introduced in the 16th Legislature by Edward Anderson. The bill passed by a vote of 19 to 5. Mrs. Peratrovich was able to contribute during the debate on the bill.
"As Elizabeth stood before the all-male Legislature, the packed gallery was tense with expectation. "I would not have expected," said Elizabeth in a strong steady voice, "that I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind gentlemen with five thousand years of recorded civilization behind them of our Bill of Rights." (Ruaro, 2006)
Native Alaskan