The Michigan Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that local and state institutions cannot provide health insurances for partners of employees in same-sex relationships. The Associated Press reports that the decision was a result of Michigan’s 2004 ban on same-sex marriage.
Tom Patrick, one of the plaintiffs filing a suit with the American Civil Liberties Union against the ruling, told the Detroit Free Press, “I think it’s a sad day in Michigan when we decide which children and families are valuable enough to cover.”
Many public employers, such as University of Michigan and Michigan State, affected by the court’s decision have revised their health benefits policies to avoid having to cut benefits to same-sex couples.
