If this happens, it would make Alaska the first determinedly red state to enact same-sex benefits.

Rizzo had previously voted against his government's same-sex benefits plan, and received little assistance from the Toronto NDP organization.

But the federal government does not provide same-sex benefits for its employees.

Opponents had argued it could lead to much more, including same-sex benefits, marriage and affirmative action for homosexuals.

Many companies in the financial, media, entertainment and airline industries and some state and local governments have offered same-sex benefits in the last several years.

The two largest American companies offering same-sex benefits until now have been I.B.M. and Citigroup, she said.

U.A.W. leaders declined to comment on the same-sex benefits, which will take effect on Aug. 1.

Both divisions said today that they had no plans to offer same-sex benefits.

Silva supported the extension of same-sex benefits to municipal workers in 1994.