A recent Herald article states that Gov. Palin "didn't balk" at the prospect of extending employment benefits to same-sex partners of state employees per the state's Supreme Court. The Sun countered a possible portrayal of Palin as a "frightening religious zealot" by noting that she vetoed legislation that would have counteracted the Supreme Court order.

What these two reports omit is that in December 2006, Palin vetoed the bill, HB4001, not because she disagreed with it, but because she was told by the Department of Law that it was unconstitutional.

Palin maintained her disagreement with extending the benefits, and noted that the option was still open to reverse the Supreme Court's order through majority vote. "The Governor's veto does not signal any change or modification to her disagreement with the action and order by the Alaska Supreme Court," the state press release added. "It is the Governor's intention to work with the legislature and to give the people of Alaska an opportunity to express their wishes and intentions whether these benefits should continue."

The new benefits plan was enacted on January 1, 2007, with a bill, HB4002, being signed to hold an advisory vote to eliminate said benefits. "We have no more judicial options," Palin said on December 20, 2006. "We may disagree with the rationale behind the ruling, but our responsibility is to proceed forward with the law and follow the Constitution."

"I disagree with the recent court decision," the Governor added, "because I feel as though Alaskans spoke on this issue with its overwhelming support for a Constitutional Amendment in 1998 which defined marriage as between a man and woman. But the Supreme Court has spoken and the state will abide."

In a 2006 Eagle Forum gubernatorial questionnaire, Palin also maintained this position: "I believe spousal benefits are reserved for married citizens as defined in our constitution."