Michigan House votes to overturn domestic partner benefits

Yesterday, the Michigan House voted 64 to 44 in favor of eliminating domestic partner benefits for Michigan’s public employees.

The vote is a blow to the LGBTQ community and to its allies. Michigan Messenger cites Emily Dievendorf, policy director of Equality Michigan in response to the vote.

“This session’s rash of hate-fueled legislation is broad and punishing. The extremists in the House are a tank rolling down Main Street, leaving no vulnerable community unthreatened. Their efforts, while clearly inspired by animosity toward the gay and transgender community, are expressed through such a blinding and irrational rage that it has no limits.”

House Bills 4770 & 4771 were introduced by West Michigan legislator Dave Agema.  Agema not only has promoted anti-gay legislation, but legislation against workers, immigrants and racial minorities.