A divided Michigan Court of Appeals panel has upheld extending health benefits to the live-in partners of state employees. The court’s majority rejected the argument that the benefits violate the state’s ban on gay marriage and civil unions.
The court said the state Civil Service Commission offers the benefits equally to people in both same-sex and heterosexual relationships.
“We negotiated domestic partner benefits fair and square and I’m glad that the authority of the Civil Service Commission was kept intact and that our collective bargaining rights were protected,” says Ray Holman with UAW Local 6000.
Progressive groups also called the decision a victory for gay rights, though Emily Dievendorf of Equality Michigan says she fears this legal victory will be short-lived.
“I think that we need to expect that this will be challenged further in the courts,” she says.
Attorney General Bill Schuette says the Michigan Supreme Court is the next stop for this case.
The state currently covers 129 unmarried couples and their families.
