Mich. Ruling Alarms Gay Rights Advocates
By DAVID EGGERT
02.08.07

A Michigan appeals court ruling that bans public universities and state and local governments from providing health insurance to partners of gay employees has alarmed gay rights advocates nationwide.

They fear the decision could encourage similar rulings in 17 other states whose bans on gay marriage could be interpreted to prohibit domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples.

Michigan last week became the first state to rule that public employers cannot offer health benefits if the benefits are based on treating same-sex relationships similar to marriage. the rest


Vt. to revisit gay marriage
ROSS SNEYD, Associated Press Writer
02/08/2007

MONTPELIER (AP) — Seven years after Vermont broke new ground by legally recognizing the relationships of gay and lesbian couples through civil unions, advocates are beginning to lobby for full marriage rights.

The civil union law confers on same-sex couples all of the rights, benefits and responsibilities of marriage, but it's still not enough, members of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force said Wednesday.

"In 2000, Vermont decided to legally recognize same-sex couples," said Stan Baker, the lead plaintiff in a 1997 lawsuit that led to adoption of civil unions. "Now it's time to equally recognize same-sex couples." the rest