Arizona appeals on same-sex partner benefits
Web Producer: Ina Ronquillo
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona is again appealing a ruling that same-sex partners of state government workers are entitled to health care benefits provided to opposite-sex couples.
Gov. Jan Brewer's office on Tuesday announced it is asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to have a larger panel review the issue.
A 2009 law signed by Brewer repealed the same-sex benefits granted in 2008 under the administration of her predecessor, Janet Napolitano.
Gay and lesbian state workers sued, and a federal judge blocked the law from taking effect, ruling that it appeared to be unconstitutional.
A three-judge 9th Circuit panel agreed in a Sept. 6 ruling that denying same-sex partners the benefits would violate equal protection provisions of the Constitution.
Brewer's office says elected officials' control over state finances is at stake.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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