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Michigan Senate Bans Domestic Partner Benefits

LANSING (AP) - Republicans who control the Michigan Senate have approved bills aimed at blocking the offering of taxpayer-paid health insurance to domestic partners living with some public employees.

The main bill in the package passed by a 27-9 vote Wednesday, with only Democrats in opposition. It returns with changes to the House, which approved the bill earlier this year.

The legislation would prohibit some public employers from extending health benefits to unmarried partners of employees, whether they are of the same sex or opposite sex. It would apply to public schools, local governments and some state employees.

It would not apply to public universities, which have constitutional power to determine their own policies.

Republicans say the measure would save money. Opponents say public employers should be able to determine their own policies.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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