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Gay Jewish woman in historic legal victory

June 28, 2013 10:58

By

Josh Jackman,

Josh Jackman

1 min read

A lawsuit brought by a Jewish woman has led the Supreme Court in America to abolish a law which denied gay spouses equal benefits.

The justices narrowly voted 5-4 in favour of striking down section three of the Defence of Marriage Act (Doma), a move which further normalises gay marriage in America.

Edith Windsor initiated the case after she had to pay over $300,000 in federal taxes when her wife of 40 years, Thea Spyer, passed away. This was despite their Canadian marriage being recognised by the state of New York, where the couple resided.

Alan van Capelle, who heads the Jewish advocacy group Bend the Arc, spoke of his joy at the decision.

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