http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/09/092006alaska.htmThe state's proposed rules on benefits for same-sex couples are too stringent, according to a ruling by a Superior Court judge in Anchorage.
Judge Stephanie Joannides also found the state's view of an Alaska Supreme Court decision on the types of benefits to be offered too narrow. Hearings on the proposed regulation will be held in Juneau and Anchorage.
Last year's Supreme Court ruling required the state to establish benefits to same-sex partners of its employees in response to an action filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and nine Alaska couples.
The high court ruled that because same-sex couples are prohibited from marrying in Alaska, denying them rights extended to married couples deprives them of equal protection guaranteed under the Alaska Constitution.