The original legislation also banned domestic partner benefits for employees of public universities, but that language was not included in current law. Snyder signed the bill after maintaining that public universities should not be included in interpretations of the law.

Council voted to support the ACLU lawsuit at its meeting on Tuesday. East Lansing Assistant City Attorney Tom Yeadon said the city doesn’t have set plans as to how it will assist with the ACLU lawsuit yet, but the attorney’s office will work with ACLU to see what use the city can be to the suit.

“Basically, we’re there to help in any way that the ACLU would deem appropriate,” Yeadon said.

East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem Nathan Triplett said the most likely form of support the city will be able to provide is filing official documentation with the courts stating support for the cause.

East Lansing is not the only city in Michigan to show support for the ACLU lawsuit.

Ann Arbor unanimously supported a similar resolution Jan. 24, and other cities in Michigan are considering supporting the suit as well, Ann Arbor Councilmember Sandi Smith said.

Smith said the Ann Arbor City Council believes the law goes against the interests of Michigan municipalities.

“In a sense, we find great offense at (the state) telling us how we can pay our employees or which employees,” Smith said. “We’re very saddened by the governor signing this — it does not save the state money, if that’s really what their intent is.”

Jay Kaplan, one of the lawyers representing the ACLU case, said backing from local communities will make the case against the state even stronger.

“They can speak to the impact of the law on local entities to provide fair employment policies and how that impacts their ability to attract and obtain the brightest talent,” Kaplan said. “We’re very grateful for that support.”

Rep. Dave Agema, R-Grandville, who sponsored the bill, said he believes the state did the right thing in passing the bill into law.

“I’m not concerned about (the lawsuit) at all,” Agema said. “I don’t think anybody has a right to do that ­— I think it’s illegal.”

The state of Michigan has until February to officially respond to the lawsuit, Kaplan said.

Social work senior Mindy Warner said the state’s decision to cut domestic partner benefits with the legislation seems more like a smokescreen than a legitimate way to cut back on spending.

“It’s taking a step in the wrong direction,” Warner said. “They’re not fooling anyone, if that’s what they’re thinking.”

Triplett said he doesn’t plan to stop with written advocacy and hopes the lawsuit gains more support from other Michigan communities to make a stronger impression in court.

“It’s our best chance to get city employees the equal benefits they deserve,” Triplett said.