October 31, 2005
Monday

Alaska Governor Frank H. Murkowski will propose a constitutional amendment to correct a state Supreme Court ruling that would require the state to extend public employment-related benefits to the same-sex domestic partners of employees and retirees, he said Friday. The state also stands to incur additional costs as a consequence of this ruling, the governor said.

The Alaska Supreme Court ruled Friday in Alaska Civil Liberties Union vs. State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage that denial of retirement, health insurance and survivor benefits violates the equal protection of the state constitution. The court rejected the argument that the 1998 Marriage Amendment to Alaska Constitution precluded the challenge by same-sex couples.

"I'm absolutely outraged by this shameful court ruling. This is a clear example of how out of touch the state Supreme Court is with mainstream Alaskans who overwhelmingly believe that marriage is a union between a man and a woman," Murkowski said.

The governor intends to introduce a constitutional amendment in the Legislature when it returns next session to overturn the ruling. The governor directed Attorney General Dave Marquez to begin the work of overturning the ruling.

"I will work closely with the Legislature to make right this obvious effort by the judiciary to wrongfully legislate from the bench," Murkowski said. "This ruling runs counter to the 1998 constitutional amendment that sent a clear message to the bench and it is counter to the mainstream values of Alaska."

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
http://www.gov.state.ak.us

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