Partner benefits new legislative fight

WASHINGTON, March 10 (UPI) -- A new legal battle over homosexual rights is emerging with conservative groups around the United States trying to block partner benefits.

In Alaska, where voters approved a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage eight years ago, the state Supreme Court has ruled that homosexuals working for the government are entitled to the same benefits as married couples. Gov. Frank Murkowski and many Republicans in the Legislature want to reverse that.

"The Supreme Court is equating same-sex couples to the state of marriage," House Majority Leader John Coghill told stateline.org. "But 70 percent of Alaskan voters have said they're not equal, and the Legislature has said they're not equal. The court has a fundamental disagreement with the people of Alaska, and this amendment will re-establish the will of the people."

Nineteen states define marriage in their constitutions, and 11 of those states have language that excludes homosexual couples from benefits. Four of the six states where marriage amendments are on the ballot this year include the broader language.

Wisconsin voters will decide in November whether to amend the state constitution to ban partner benefits.