You know, there are times I'm glad my loved ones didn't live to see things like this. Today is one of those days. I don't think I can begin to describe how much it hurts to be told that you are a second class citizen.
Public employers and universities can't provide health insurance and other benefits to the partners of same-sex couples without violating the Michigan Constitution, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled today.
The court ruled such arrangements violate a constitutional amendment that state voters approved in 2004 which says public employers can't recognize same-sex unions for any purpose.
"We strongly disagree with the court decision," Michigan American Civil Liberties Union legal director Michael J. Steinberg said today.
"It was never the intention of Michigan voters who approved the Marriage Amendment to strip health insurance away from Michigan families."
The ruling struck down an earlier ruling by an Ingham County court judge in a case brought by National Pride at Work Inc. against the city of Kalamazoo.
It could affect agreements negotiated for state government employees, university employees and workers in many cities around the state.
Still have an appeal to the MI Supreme Court, but since that is filled with a bunch of nutballs, I figure it has no chance.
Michigan loses brains, business, talent, money. And some very good people. Happy now?
People wonder why I don't get more involved in things, and I have to admit, this is a big part of the reason why. I always feel I have one foot out the door. It doesn't matter to me, personally, anymore, but I wonder why I care so much about a state that would have gladly hurt my "family".
UPDATE: Front page diary at Kos on this.