Arizona Man Wins Same-Sex Death Benefits Fight

State does not recognize gay marriages

A judge handed a victory Friday to a gay man who lost his spouse to cancer last month and was denied death benefits because Arizona does not recognize same-sex marriage.

Fred McQuire and George Martinez were partners of 45 years who got married in California this summer, fulfilling one of their final wishes as they both dealt with serious health issues.

Martinez died in late August, but McQuire was unable to receive Social Security and veteran benefits because Arizona bans gay marriage.