FBI rescinds health benefits for gay agent's partner
By LAURA WALSH
Associated Press Writer


HARTFORD, Conn. -- The FBI has rescinded health benefits that had been provided to the same-sex partner of a special agent since just after the couple wed in Massachusetts in May.

Katy Gossman, a special agent with the FBI in New Haven, received an e-mail from the bureau informing her that her wife, Kristin, would be removed from her health plan. The Connecticut couple were married in Worcester, Mass. on May 20 and had been receiving spousal benefits since May 30, Katy Gossman said.

The Gossmans were married just three days after same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts, and are among eight couples who have filed a lawsuit challenging a 1913 law that was used to block other out-of-state couples from marrying in Massachusetts.

After their small marriage ceremony, the Gossmans returned to their Meriden home and Katy immediately filled out a health benefits seeking benefits for Kristin, whom she listed as her spouse. She sent the form and a copy of her marriage license to FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C.