In a landmark decision, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that a state law allowing businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals on religious grounds is unconstitutional. The court's decision came after years of legal battles and advocacy efforts by LGBTQ rights organizations in the state.The controversial law, known as the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act," was passed in 2018 and allowed businesses to deny services to LGBTQ individuals if doing so would violate their religious beliefs. However, the law faced significant backlash from civil rights groups who argued that it sanctioned discrimination and violated the state's constitutional protections of equal treatment under the law.The case before the Alaska Supreme Court was brought by a same-sex couple, Sarah and Emily Collins, who were denied service at a bakery in Anchorage based on their sexual orientation. The couple argued that the bakery's refusal to serve them was a clear violation of their rights as LGBTQ individuals.In a unanimous decision, the Alaska Supreme Court struck down the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, stating that it "impermissibly infringes on the rights of LGBTQ individuals to equal protection under the law." The court's ruling was hailed as a major victory for LGBTQ rights in Alaska and a significant step towards ending discrimination based on sexual orientation in the state."We are thrilled with the court's decision today," said Sarah Collins in a statement following the ruling. "No one should be denied service or treated differently because of who they are or who they love. This decision reaffirms that all Alaskans are entitled to equal treatment and protection under the law."The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications not only in Alaska but across the country as well, as other states with similar laws may face legal challenges in the future. LGBTQ rights advocates hope that the decision will set a precedent for courts to prioritize equality and fairness for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.In response to the court's decision, the Alaska Attorney General's office announced that it would not appeal the ruling, effectively putting an end to the state's anti-LGBTQ discrimination law. This victory for LGBTQ rights marks a significant milestone in the fight for equality and inclusivity in Alaska and beyond.