EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) _ A gay couple's out-of-state marriage will continue to be recognized in Indiana while a judge considers whether to extend an order requiring the state to acknowledge the union.
U.S. District Judge Richard Young heard arguments Friday in Evansville on a request that the state recognize the 2013 Massachusetts marriage of Niki Quasney and Amy Sandler. Quasney is terminally ill, and the couple fear Sandler's ability to collect Social Security and other death benefits would be harmed if their marriage isn't recognized.
Young granted the couple a temporary restraining order last month. It expires next Thursday.
Attorneys for the state say Indiana law does not allow same-sex marriage or recognize those unions performed elsewhere. The state contends there are other legal means for Sandler to obtain property benefits after Quasney dies.
