GAY PROTECTIONS EXPANDED IN STATE GOVERNMENT
(Lansing, MI) – The Michigan Civil Service Commission has amended its rules to prohibit workplace discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation. The decision expands an Executive Directive by Governor Jennifer Granholm from December 23, 2003 that covered 95% of executive branch employees. Civil Service Rules apply to all executive branch employees in the classified civil service.

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Lawmakers bypass Warner, approve civil union ban
By JUSTIN BERGMAN
Associated Press Writer
RICHMOND, Va. -- The House and Senate on Wednesday rejected a gubernatorial amendment to a bill banning civil unions and other same-sex partnerships in Virginia, then passed the original measure by veto-proof margins.

Following fiery debate on the House floor that caused House Speaker William J. Howell to rebuke Del. Robert Marshall, the House passed Marshall's bill by a vote of 69-30, easily reaching the two-thirds margin necessary to override a potential veto. The Senate then passed the bill 27-12.