NY Cases Differ on Definition of 'Spouse'

Administrative law judges for the New York State Workers' Compensation Board have served up two divergent views on whether a gay man or lesbian who loses a domestic partner in a workplace death is eligible for "spousal benefits."Legislation enacted following the World Trade Center disaster of 09/11 made survivor benefits available to same sex partners, and in a ruling on November 22, Larry Courtney was awarded such benefits in connection with the death of his partner Eugene Clark, who was at work at Aon Consulting on the 102nd floor of Two World Trade Center on Sept. 11 of last year.However, t...