Miami University to Continue Benefits

Friday, August 31, 2007
Topics: Politics, Health
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Miami University in Ohio can continue to offer benefits to same-sex domestic partners now that an Ohio appeals court has upheld a lower court's ruling. ideastream education reporter Dan Bobkoff explains.

Republican State Representative Tom Brinkman Junior sued Miami University for offering health benefits to same-sex domestic partners, arguing that violates Ohio’s 2004 constitutional amendment banning both gay marriage and the approximation of gay marriage. Brinkman alleged the benefits constituted an approximation inappropriate for a public university that receives tax dollars. He said he brought the suit as a private taxpayer and parent of two Miami University students.

But Miami University argued that it uses money from private donations-and not tax dollars-to reimburse costs for domestic partner benefits, and the court concluded that being a taxpayer is insufficient standing to bring the suit.

Brinkman’s office declined comment until the state representative has read the decision. He could still appeal the decision to the Ohio Supreme Court.