We’ll say so.
Mlive is telling us that Governor Rick Snyder is asking for the ban on domestic partner same sex benefits to remain in place until properly adjudicated. They report on the activist Judge who has first tossed the ban:
The motion asks Judge David Lawson to rule in favor of the state in a lawsuit filed by five same-sex couples. The motion argues that the 2011 law banning the benefits “eliminates local government programs that are irrational and unfair” and promotes “financially sound” local agencies.
In June 2013, Lawson issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the state from enforcing the law, Public Act 297, saying the plaintiffs in the case had a good chance of proving at trial that the law violates the equal protection guarantee of the U.S. Constitution.
“A good chance” is a pitiful reason to upend due process and legislate from the bench.
‘Equal protection’ used in this sense is an abomination of intent. So lets apply the logic to its obvious conclusion; that any creature with a heartbeat might might be called a dependent if considered to be living under the same roof. Especially if all it requires is the word of the employee as verification.
Consider what would happen when a SANE judge higher up on the food chain tosses the case ‘with prejudice.’ Will the state be forced to go back and bill the state employees who have abused the process for their dependent’s bennies?
Fido might want to hold off on getting those Viagra meds on the state prescription card just yet.
We applaud Rick and Bill on this one.
(0)Nuh Uh.
(0)
There IS a rational way to deal with this.
End ALL benefits packages. Every last bit, pay a tiny bit more and let the employees finance their own 'perks.'
You know what, I've always wondered?
What happens when you pit one Constitutional Amendment against another?
What happens when "prohibiting the free exercise of religion", conflicts with the so-called "equal protection" clause.
Grab some popcorn.
The verbal gymnastics that will need to be performed to make this turkey fly will be something to see.
I am still working on a "like" button for the comments. If you get my drift.