Similar to the Tanner decision here in Oregon... The Alaska Supreme Court on Friday ruled it is unconstitutional to bar benefits to the same-sex partners of public employees, a victory for gay-rights advocates in one of the first states to pass a constitutional ban on gay marriage.

Overturning a lower-court ruling, the state high court said barring benefits for state and city employees' same-sex partners violates the Alaska Constitution's equal-protection clause.

Gov. Frank Murkowski was "outraged" by the ruling and directed the attorney general's office to find a way to overturn it, said his spokeswoman, Becky Hultberg.

Nine gay or lesbian government workers and their partners in 2002 joined the Alaska American Civil Liberties Union in appealing a lower-court ruling in a 1999 lawsuit filed against the state and Anchorage.

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 12:06 PM. Want to discuss? Leave a comment below.