Judge to Void Transgender Widow's Marriage

Nikki Araguz says she's 'devastated' by the judge's decision
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 25, 2011 8:55 AM CDT
Judge to Void Transgender Widow's Marriage
Nikki Araguz, transgender wife of a firefighter killed in the line of duty July 4, 2010, gets emotional during a press conference at her attorneys' office Thursday, July 22, 2010 in Houston. Relatives of Thomas Araguz are suing to keep her from getting benefits as Texas does not recognize same-sex weddings.   (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

A Texas judge plans to void the marriage of a transgender widow, preventing her from getting the death benefits of her firefighter husband who died last year battling a blaze, according to the widow's lawyer. After Thomas Araguz III died, his mother and ex-wife filed a lawsuit claiming Nikki Araguz should receive no benefits because she was born a man and Texas doesn't recognize same-sex marriages.

Nikki Araguz's attorney said yesterday that state District Judge Randy Clapp announced his plan in a draft ruling. The widow says she's "devastated" by the judge's decision. Click for more on the long and messy court battle. (More transgender stories.)

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