Lawsuit challenges ban on DP benefits

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed a law that barred colleges and other public employers from offering benefits for the same-sex partners of employees.

LANSING — The ACLU filed a lawsuit in federal court this week alleging a state ban on domestic partner benefits for Michigan public employees discriminates against same-sex couples.

“The governor tried to pass this unfair statute off as a cost-cutting measure,” said Kary L. Moss, executive director of the ACLU of Michigan, saying benefits can still be offered to extended family, such as parents, cousins and uncles, but are barred for same-sex partners. “Yet, this law will have no impact on state spending, but will have a huge impact on families who have lost the security of caring for their loved ones.”

Many public employers, such as colleges and public schools systems, will have to cease offering domestic partnership benefits to their employees when the law goes into effect.