The decision is in from the Michigan Supreme Court- the 2004 Michigan ban against gay marriage also blocks domestic-partner benefits.  The court ruled 5-2 that governments and state universities can't offer health insurance to the partners of gay workers.

According to the Associated Press: “Up to 20 public universities, community colleges, school districts and local governments in Michigan have benefit policies covering at least 375 gay couples.

” This decision comes after the sponsors of the marriage ban said it would have no affect on partnership benefits when they were pushing for it to pass in 2004.   

They are saying the same thing about the amendment in Florida, which is on the ballot in November.  The Florida amendment also includes broad language that is sure to be used to roll back established domestic partnership registries and other benefits. 

Just like in Michigan, the conservative courts would almost assuredly interpret the amendment the same way in Florida, destroying the benefits that untold numbers of couples and families depend on. 

I really wish the people that were always screaming about “protecting the children” and “saving families” would stop demolishing the protections that many families depend on.  Taking away insurance and other benefits only shows the length that many will go to in order to enshrine what their own narrow definition of what a family is- no matter whom it hurts in the process. 

Want to really strengthen families and protect children?  Make sure they have the protections and rights needed to provide for each other.    

To help in the fight against Florida’s “Marriage Protection Amendment”, please visit www.SayNo2.com and make a contribution. 

Waymon Hudson, the Homo Politico, is founder and President of Fight OUT Loud, a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the GLBT community to fight discrimination and hate.  www.fightOUTloud.org  Hudson is a regular contributor to GaySoFla.com