Mich. high court says gay partners can't get health benefits

By DAVID EGGERT Associated Press Writer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that governments and state universities can't offer health insurance to the partners of gay workers.

The court ruled 5-2 on Wednesday that Michigan's 2004 ban against gay marriage also blocks domestic-partner policies affecting gay employees at the University of Michigan and other public-sector employers.

The decision affirms an appeals court ruling.

Up to 20 public universities, community colleges, school districts and local governments in Michigan have benefit policies covering at least 375 gay couples. After the appeals court ruled last year, universities and local governments rewrote their policies to try to comply with the gay marriage ban - so the effect of Wednesday's decision is unclear.