The New Civil Rights Movement is reporting that a federal judge issued an order requiring Arizona to recognize the marriage of George Martinez and Fred McQuire, two plaintiffs in the marriage equality case against the state. The couple had been together for 45 years and had recently married in California. Unfortunately, Martinez died last month from pancreatic cancer and McQuire has had no access to social security nor veteran's benefits because the State did not recognize their marriage according to Freedom to Marry.
This case highlights the way that marriage decisions impact the emotional, physical and financial well- being of LGBT individuals. McQuire is reported to face health challenges and in the middle of grieving for his partner of so many years had to battle the possibility of losing his house if his relationship was not recognized.