The diverse lineup is the latest twist in a long-running dispute in the area over whom is allowed to say invocations before its assembly meetings. The process of determining who gets to speak to the assembly though has been mired in controversy in recent years. Historically, the Anchorage Daily News says, the assembly has chosen Christian pastors to fill the roles. But in 2016, officials opened up the process and changed their rules to allow anyone to sign up on a first-come, first-serve basis. Now the current rule is that any resident can submit a written request to speak to the chamber, the Anchorage Daily News reports.

Source: Fox News January 02, 2019 19:12 UTC