LANSING, MI (AP)-- An attorney for the state of Michigan has urged a judge to reject a challenge to a law that prevents local governments from offering domestic partner benefits.
Assistant Attorney General Mike Murphy admitted Tuesday that the savings touted by the law's supporters don't add up to much. But he says that's no reason to overturn the law.
The law prevents public schools and local governments from offering benefits to unmarried partners of employees, whether gay or heterosexual.
Critics say it's an unconstitutional attack on gays and lesbians. Detroit federal Judge David Lawson stopped the law with an injunction last summer. Now he's being asked to make a final decision.
Lawson also might put the case on hold until a challenge to Michigan's ban on gay marriage is settled.