LANSING (AP) - An Ingham County judge denied the state attorney general's request to temporarily halt a ruling that allows public-sector employers to provide health insurance to the partners of gay employees yesterday.

Republican Attorney General Mike Cox had asked Circuit Judge Joyce Draganchuk to halt her ruling and stop the state and city of Kalamazoo from offering domestic partner benefits until the issue can be decided by the appellate courts.

Draganchuk declined to issue a temporary restraining order.

She ruled last month that public universities and governments can provide domestic partner benefits without violating a gay marriage ban approved by voters last year. Cox is appealing that ruling.

Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants the state Civil Service Commission to approve domestic partner benefits for state employees. The benefits had been included in new labor contracts, but Granholm put them on hold while waiting for a court ruling.

Cox thinks the constitutional amendment prohibits Kalamazoo and other public employers from providing domestic partner benefits in future contracts.