(NOTE: This is another piece that’s a bit late due to server issues. Sorry for the delay.)

The Republican-controlled Michigan House has voted to ban all city agencies and state-funded universities from offering domestic partner benefits. Passed under the guise of saving millions of dollars for the cash-strapped state, proponents of the legislation also insist it’s upholding the will of state residents. In 2004, a one man and one woman marriage amendment was approved by voters.

“It is not the responsibility of taxpayers to support the roommates and unmarried partners of public employees,” said state Rep. Dave Agema, R-Grandville, in comments published by the Detroit Free Press. “Providing benefits in this way is not the role of the state, especially when tax dollars are in short supply and there are critical programs being affected by the decrease in revenue.”

Similar anti-gay legislation passed earlier this year in Tennessee prompted automakers such as Nissan and Volkswagen – both of which have invested heavily in the state – to speak out against this kind of sexual discrimination. Hopefully, the Big Three U.S. automakers (Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, and General Motors) will also come out against this kind of law being passed in their home state.