Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 11:32 a.m. EST
Michigan Court Blocks Benefits for Gay CouplesPublic universities and local governments can't provide health insurance to the partners of gay employees without violating the state constitution, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Friday.
A three-judge panel said a 2004 voter-approved ban on gay marriage also applies to same-sex domestic partner benefits.
"The marriage amendment's plain language prohibits public employers from recognizing same-sex unions for any purpose," the court wrote.
The decision reverses a 2005 ruling from a county judge who said universities and government agencies could provide the benefits.
A constitutional amendment passed by Michigan voters in November 2004 made the union between a man and a woman the only agreement recognized as a marriage "or similar union for any purpose." Those six words led to the court fight over benefits for gay couples.
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/2/2/114037.shtml?s=ic
