The New York Times reports:
Edith Windsor, the gay-rights activist whose landmark Supreme Court case struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013 and granted same-sex married couples federal recognition for the first time and rights to myriad federal benefits, died on Tuesday in Manhattan. She was 88. Her wife, Judith Kasen-Windsor, confirmed the death but did not specify a cause. They were married in 2016.
Four decades after the Stonewall Inn uprising fueled the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in America, Ms. Windsor, the widow of a woman with whom she had lived much of her life, became the lead plaintiff in what is widely regarded as the second most important Supreme Court ruling in the national battle over same-sex marriage rights.
The Windsor decision was limited to 13 states and the District of Columbia. But in 2015, the Supreme Court held that same-sex couples had a constitutional right to marry anywhere in the nation, with all the protections and privileges of heterosexual couples. Its historic significance was likened to that of Lawrence v. Texas in 2003, which decriminalized gay sex in the United States.
A TRUE legend. And so kind and amiable in person.
“Don’t postpone joy.” – Edie Windsor. A good reminder today. And every day. #EdieWindsor
— Chase Strangio (@chasestrangio) September 12, 2017
How Edith Windsor—who died today—fell in love, got married, and won a landmark case for gay marriage: https://t.co/bHnGoo6yEk #TNYarchive pic.twitter.com/i3VF1101nx
— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) September 12, 2017
Very sad to read of Edith Windsor's passing. Our world is better for her life. Keeping her wife Judith, all her family & friends in my heart https://t.co/K3HebHZhyb
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) September 12, 2017
Deeply saddened by this loss. Edie Windsor was a leader and changemaker who will live on in history. https://t.co/vGrnEj7CDY
— NCLR?️? (@NCLRights) September 12, 2017
A pioneer whose legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Edie. https://t.co/I05OmbAu4c
— Lambda Legal (@LambdaLegal) September 12, 2017