INDIANA: Federal Court Orders State To Recognize Marriage Of Ill Woman

Today a federal court ordered Indiana to recognize the Massachusetts marriage of a terminally ill lesbian and her wife. Lambda Legal cheers via press release:

Lambda Legal filed suit on behalf of Amy Sandler, Niki Quasney and their two children, seeking immediate relief from Indiana's ban on marriage for same-sex couples as Ms. Quasney battles stage four cancer. Ms. Quasney wants to be recognized as married in her home state while she is still alive, and cannot wait any longer for the protections of marriage. "We're greatly relieved for Amy, Niki and their two young children. They are a loving family coping with a terminal illness.The State of Indiana has no justification for denying them dignity, legitimacy, and respect as a family during this inexpressibly difficult time." said Paul Castillo, Staff Attorney for Lambda Legal. "They're married, they love each other and they are doing their best to protect their family. The local hospital defers to state law to determine whether a couple is validly married, and Niki worries that she won't be able to be with Amy when it counts. Niki also wants to make sure Amy has the protections of a surviving spouse under Indiana law."

Lambda filed the emergency request last month.