Alaska's highest court ends ban on same-sex partner benefits

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Alaska Supreme Court ends ban on same-sex partner benefits

Alexis Unkovic, Jurist News, Saturday, October 29, 2005, at 10:05 AM ET

(JURIST NEWS) The Alaska Supreme Court issued an opinion (.pdf format, AdobeReader® required, 124 Kb) Friday(, October 28, 2005) ending the state practice of denying benefits to same-sex partners of public employees. While the high court determined that the policy violated the equal protection clause of the Alaska Constitution (text) because it treated unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples differently, the benefits plans will remain in effect until the court determines a remedy. The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska (advocacy website) deemed the ruling a victory, and predicted it could influence courts in other states. In contrast, Governor Frank H. Murkowski (official website) expressed outrage over the ruling and directed the office of Alaska Attorney General David W. Marquez (official profile) to work to overturn it. Alaska was one of the first states to impose a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage (JURIST news archive) in 1996. AP has more.

. . . more at . . . http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2005/10/alaska-supreme-court-ends-ban-on-same.php
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Write (snail-mail), email, FAX, or telephone the Alaska Attorney General David W. Marquez. Tell him to let the ACLU, Carter, et al v. Alaska, et al (Alaska Supreme Court, docket #S-10459, October 28, 2005) case stand as is.

Here's a suggested letter to him:

Dear Attorney General David W. Marquez:

As a resident and voter of Alaska, I ask that you please let the ACLU, Carter, et al v. Alaska, et al (Alaska Supreme Court, docket #S-10459, October 28, 2005) decision stand as is. Do nothing. Do not challenge it in court or otherwise opine to over-turn it.

This ACLU Carter decision is fair to the gay community and fair to the heterosexual community as to employment benefits granted in the public employment sector in the State of Alaska.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

/signed/ (your real name here)
(your real address here)

Attorney General David W. Márquez
P.O. Box 110300
Juneau, AK 99811-0300
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

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