From Don Hunter in Anchorage --

Mayor Dan Sullivan says he is studying the anti-discrimination ordinance passed last night by the Anchorage Assembly and will announce whether he will veto it later.

Under city law, Sullivan has seven days to make that decision.

The ordinance bans discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It was approved by a 7-4 Assembly vote after two months of public hearings. The Assembly would need an eight-vote supermajority to override a veto, if Sullivan issues one.

Sullivan said he is immersed in trying to close a new $9 million gap in the city budget. He plans to announce his plans for doing that Thursday afternoon.

Here is a Sullivan statement e-mailed out by the mayor's office a few minutes ago:

"I understand that Anchorage residents want to hear from their mayor regarding the Assembly ordinance that passed last night.

"This issue is important to our community and, as such, deserves careful consideration. It is my responsibility not only to listen to constituents but to examine the ordinance’s language in depth.

"The city currently is consumed with a budget crisis, and my energy is directed at solving that problem in the immediate future.

"When the time comes to make an announcement as it relates to the ordinance, I will do so."