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June 06, 2007

Kalamazoo, Mich., revokes partner benefits

Kalamazoo, Mich., revokes partner benefits

Kalamazoo, Mich., will become the state’s first public employer to revoke domestic-partnership benefits in the wake of a 2004 state vote amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage. Kalamazoo city manager Kenneth Collard, citing an order from the state supreme court, confirmed that the partners of four nonunionized city employees will lose their benefits effective June 30. According to the Battle Creek Enquirer, the Michigan supreme court agreed to hear an appeal of a ruling that blocked same-sex partner benefits, but Kalamazoo has decided not to wait and is repealing the partner benefits. 

The employees were told a month in advance to find new health coverage, the article said.

The Ann Arbor school district will follow suit by not including domestic-partner benefits in future union contracts. About 15 school district faculty and staff members are entitled to benefits under their current contracts, but the benefits will not be included with their renewed contracts. (The Advocate)

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