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Judge Blocks Move To End Benefits For Gay Workers
A federal judge has blocked Arizona from ending domestic partner benefits for gay and lesbian state employees.
U.S. District Judge John Sedwick's injunction prevents the state from
implementing a law that would have cut benefits to the domestic partners of gay
state employees and the children of those partners.
The legislation eliminated health benefits to the spouses of domestic
partners – gay or straight. It was signed by Republican Governor Jan Brewer and
approved by lawmakers last September. The move adversely affected gay couples,
who cannot marry in the state.
Lawyers representing the state argued that the measure was needed to cut a
ballooning deficit. However, Sedwick chided lawmakers for placing the budgetary
burden on gay workers.
His 33-page ruling stated: “Contrary to the state's suggestion, it is not
equitable to lay the burden of the state budgetary shortfall on homosexual
employees, any more than on any other distinct class, such as employees with
green eyes or red hair”.
According to the state, about 800 state employees are affected and officials
have not announced whether they will appeal the ruling or not.