Michigan court
halts DP benefits

The Michigan court of appeals on Monday halted a ruling that allows governments and public universities to provide health insurance to the partners of gay employees. The appeals court granted Atty. Gen. Mike Cox's request to delay a lower court's decision until the issue can be decided by the appeals court. The court also sped up its consideration of the appeal.

Ingham County circuit judge Joyce Draganchuk ruled last month that public-sector employers can offer domestic-partner benefits without violating a same-sex marriage ban approved by Michigan voters nearly a year ago. Cox, a Republican, thinks the constitutional amendment prohibits Kalamazoo and other public employers from providing domestic-partner benefits in future contracts.

But Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, citing Draganchuk's decision, wants the state civil service commission to approve the benefits for state employees. The benefits had been included in new labor contracts, but Granholm put them on hold while waiting for a court ruling. (AP)