[JURIST] The Michigan Court of Appeals Monday complied with a request by state Attorney General Mike Cox [official website] seeking to delay a lower court ruling which allowed public-sector employers to offer domestic partner benefits to employees. In September, a County Circuit judge ruled [PDF decision] that providing the benefits did not conflict with a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. The benefits have already been included in contracts with state employees, but have been on hold pending a court decision. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm [official website] is now seeking approval by the state Civil Service Commission to implement the benefits. AP has more. The ACLU of Michigan has additional case documents.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase...

• MI Senate passes resolution to prevent same sex benefits
• MI court hears arguments on domestic partner benefits
• Alaska Supreme Court ends ban on same-sex partner benefits
• Opponents battle CA domestic partners law