The Michigan Supreme Court granted the American Civil Liberties Union its request to appeal the February decision that banned the ability of public institutions to offer health benefits to the partners of same-sex couples.

The prohibition of benefits in February was based on an amendment passed in 2004 that banned same-sex marriage in Michigan.

The ACLU is asking for the case to be considered in a lower court so that voter intent can be evaluated, said Jay Kaplan, the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender legal director.

Kaplan said if this is granted, the ACLU will listen to voter testimony to determine how people generally interpreted the original amendment.

A date still hasn't been set for the appeal, but Kaplan said it will probably occur in the next few months.

The February ruling allowed the University to continue granting benefits to same-sex couples through December.

The University supports the ACLU's appeal, University spokeswoman Kelly Cunningham said in an e-mail.

"The University works hard to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment and will continue to promote access to health benefits for our employees and their families," she said.