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Federal Judge Saves Domestic Partnership Benefits for Same-Sex Couples in Arizona

One year after state domestic partner benefits were implemented in Arizona, Governor Jan Brewer attempted to revoke these rights by signing a bill amending the definition of “dependent” under state law to mean “child or spouse.” This change would thus exclude same-sex couples from receiving benefits because they are unable to legally wed in the state.

On Friday, July 23 U.S. District Judge, John Sedwick, issued a preliminary injunction blocking this bill, stating that its passage would violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Sedwick’s decision requires Arizona to make family health insurance available to gay and lesbian state employees whose relationships meet the standards set forth in the state administration rules.

-Hana, Communications Intern