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Edith Windsor

Edith Windsor (June 20, 1929 – September 12, 2017) was an American computer programmer and litigant whose estate tax dispute with the federal government led to the U.S. Supreme Court's invalidation of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 2013. In , the Court held that DOMA's exclusion of legally married same-sex couples from over 1,000 federal statutes and benefits violated principles of equal protection under the of the Fifth Amendment. Windsor inherited her late spouse Thea Spyer's estate in 2009 but was denied the unlimited marital deduction for federal estate taxes—requiring payment of $363,053—because their 2007 marriage in Canada was not federally recognized under DOMA. Born in to a Jewish family, Windsor earned a in from in 1950 and a from in 1957, during a period when women were rare in fields. She began her professional career as a mainframe and junior programmer analyst at , contributing to early projects over 16 years, including work initially tied to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Following Spyer's death from complications of , Windsor's lawsuit—filed after the rejected her refund claim—escalated through the courts, with the Department of Justice declining to defend DOMA's constitutionality, leaving defense to House interveners. The Windsor ruling dismantled federal barriers to same-sex spousal benefits in areas such as taxation, Social Security, and , influencing subsequent state-level recognitions and the 2015 decision nationwide. Though Windsor initially sought only personal tax relief, the case's broader causal impact stemmed from DOMA's uniform federal policy clashing with state sovereignty over marriage, as reasoned by the , rather than abstract equality mandates. Windsor died in from heart-related complications after years of health struggles.

Pre-Activism Life

Early Life and Education

Edith Windsor was born Edith Schlain on June 20, 1929, in , , the youngest of three children to James and Celia Schlain, Russian Jewish immigrants of modest means. Her family owned a candy store where they lived above during her early years, amid the economic hardships of the . Windsor grew up in Philadelphia, attending local schools before pursuing higher education. She graduated from in 1950 with a in . Following her undergraduate studies, she relocated to and earned a in from in 1957. These degrees positioned her for a career in , though her early academic focus reflected interests in both behavioral sciences and quantitative analysis.

Professional Career

After completing her in from in 1957, Windsor entered the field of . She joined in 1958, initially working on early mainframe systems such as the IBM 7040. Over the next 16 years, she advanced to senior systems programmer, IBM's highest technical position at the time, focusing on , operating systems, and programming languages. Windsor gained recognition among colleagues for her exceptional skills and contributions to during the nascent stages of the industry. In 1975, Windsor left and established her own consulting firm, PC Classics, specializing in software projects for non-profit organizations. Through this venture, she supported digital transitions for various groups, including those in the early LGBTQ community, while maintaining a focus on technical expertise rather than at that stage. She later took early from programming to pursue other interests, marking the transition from her primary career in .

First Marriage and Divorce

Edith Windsor married Saul Windsor, a friend of her brother, in 1951 shortly after earning her from . The union was brief, lasting less than a year, as Windsor had long recognized her attraction to women but entered the marriage in an attempt to conform to societal expectations for a conventional life. Windsor initiated the in 1952, confiding in her husband that she could no longer sustain the pretense and that he deserved a partner who could reciprocate fully. This decision marked her embrace of her lesbian identity, after which she relocated to to pursue independence and professional opportunities in computing. The separation proceeded amicably, with no children born from the marriage.

Relationship with Thea Spyer

Meeting and Long-Term Partnership

Edith Windsor first encountered Thea Spyer in 1963 at the restaurant in , , a venue known for attracting lesbians on Friday evenings. Recently divorced and newly relocated to , Windsor had sought out the location on a friend's recommendation to meet women, entering a social scene that facilitated their introduction. Spyer, a born in in 1931 and specializing in , impressed Windsor immediately with her elegance and intellect. Their initial meeting led to a weekend getaway in , after which they began dating, marking the start of a romantic partnership that would endure for over four decades. In 1967, on weekend, Spyer proposed to Windsor during a drive to the countryside, presenting her with a circular rather than a traditional ring to avoid scrutiny from Windsor's colleagues at , where same-sex relationships carried professional risks. Windsor accepted, and the couple regarded themselves as engaged thereafter, with Windsor wearing the as a symbol of their commitment; they referred to each other as "" in private, fostering a marital-like bond despite the absence of legal recognition. This engagement solidified their partnership amid an era of widespread societal and legal hostility toward , requiring discretion in public while they built a shared life. Over the ensuing years, Windsor and Spyer cohabited and traveled extensively, including early trips to in the 1960s, reflecting their mutual adventurousness and professional successes—Windsor as a systems programmer at and Spyer in private psychoanalytic practice. By 1975, they had settled into a permanent home on lower in , where they maintained a stable domestic arrangement, supporting each other's careers and personal pursuits without formal ceremonies until legal opportunities arose later. Their relationship, spanning approximately 44 years from its inception until Spyer's death in 2009, exemplified a committed, interdependent union conducted largely out of public view due to prevailing anti-homosexual norms, yet marked by deep emotional and practical reciprocity.

Health Challenges and 2007 Marriage

Thea Spyer was diagnosed with progressive in 1977, a chronic disease of the that gradually caused irreversible damage, leading to increasing over the decades. By the early 2000s, Spyer had become quadriplegic and relied on a for mobility, with Windsor taking early retirement from her position at to provide full-time care. In 2002, Spyer suffered a heart attack and received a of , a cardiovascular condition that narrowed her and compounded her physical decline. By 2007, Spyer's physicians informed the couple that she had approximately one year to live due to the progression of her heart disease atop longstanding multiple sclerosis complications. Prompted by this terminal prognosis and their 40-year engagement—formalized in 1967 with Spyer's gift of a diamond brooch in lieu of a ring—they traveled to Toronto, Canada, where same-sex marriage was legal, to wed on May 22, 2007. The ceremony was officiated by Justice Harvey Brownstone of the North Toronto Family Court, marking their legal union shortly before Spyer's condition worsened further. New York State recognized the validity of their out-of-country marriage at the time.

United States v. Windsor

Case Background and Estate Dispute

Thea Spyer died on February 5, 2009, from complications related to multiple sclerosis and a heart condition she had managed for decades. Spyer's will designated Windsor as the executor and sole beneficiary of her estate, which included assets accumulated over their long partnership. As the surviving spouse under New York state law, which recognized their 2007 Canadian marriage for inheritance purposes, Windsor qualified for the state's unlimited marital deduction, exempting the estate from state-level taxes. However, Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), enacted in 1996, defined marriage for federal purposes as the union of one man and one woman, preventing federal recognition of same-sex marriages. This barred Windsor from claiming the federal unlimited marital deduction under Section 2056, which allows surviving spouses to inherit without estate tax liability up to the exemption amount. Consequently, Spyer's estate was assessed $363,053 in federal estate taxes, which Windsor paid in her capacity as executor on December 14, 2010. Windsor filed a timely claim for a refund with the , asserting eligibility for the marital deduction and arguing that DOMA's denial violated equal protection principles under the Fifth Amendment. The IRS denied the refund on October 21, 2011, citing DOMA's mandate. In response, Windsor initiated Windsor v. United States on November 9, 2010, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of , seeking both the refund and a declaration that Section 3 of DOMA was unconstitutional as applied to her. The suit highlighted the financial burden imposed solely due to the couple's sex, contrasting with opposite-sex spouses who routinely received the deduction regardless of state marriage laws.

Legal Proceedings and Arguments

Windsor filed her lawsuit on November 9, 2010, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeking a refund of $363,530 in federal estate taxes she had paid on Thea Spyer's estate in 2010, after the Internal Revenue Service denied her claim based on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which excluded same-sex spouses from federal marital benefits. The complaint argued that DOMA's definition of marriage as only between one man and one woman violated the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause by denying equal protection to legally married same-sex couples recognized under New York law. On June 6, 2012, District Judge granted in Windsor's favor, ruling that Section 3 of DOMA failed because its primary purpose was to express moral disapproval of same-sex relationships rather than advance legitimate governmental interests, and it imposed unequal treatment on same-sex spouses without sufficient justification. The appealed to the Second of Appeals, where the of Justice (DOJ), having shifted its stance after a February 2011 memorandum from concluding DOMA was unconstitutional, nonetheless continued to enforce the while arguing it did not withstand rational basis scrutiny due to evidence of animus in its enactment. The Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) of the U.S. intervened to defend DOMA, asserting that it satisfied rational basis by promoting federal uniformity in benefits administration, preserving definitions amid evolving state s, and allowing democratic experimentation without imposing costs on states. The Second Circuit affirmed the district court's ruling on October 18, 2012, in an opinion by Judge Chester Straub, applying a heightened form of rational basis tailored to classifications, finding DOMA's justifications implausible and inconsistent with evolving societal recognition of same-sex relationships. BLAG petitioned for to the , which granted review on December 7, 2012, to address whether Section 3 of DOMA violates the Fifth Amendment and whether BLAG had standing to defend the law after the DOJ's refusal. Oral arguments before the Supreme Court occurred on March 27, 3 2013, with Windsor's counsel, Roberta Kaplan, contending that DOMA deprived same-sex couples of equal liberty and dignity by creating a federal stigma unsupported by any genuine governmental purpose, warranting at least rational basis invalidation and potentially heightened scrutiny given the law's interference with state marital policies. The DOJ, represented by Solicitor General Donald Verrilli, supported Windsor's position on unconstitutionality, arguing DOMA deviated from the federal tradition of deferring to state marriage definitions and lacked a legitimate rationale beyond disapproval of homosexuality, while affirming BLAG's standing to ensure adversarial presentation. BLAG's counsel, Paul Clement, defended DOMA under standard rational basis review, emphasizing Congress's authority to define terms for over 1,000 federal statutes, the need for caution in policy amid state-level changes, and legitimate interests in administrative efficiency, fiscal conservation, and maintaining uniform eligibility without endorsing state experiments with marriage redefinition.

Supreme Court Decision and Dissents

On June 26, 2013, the decided United States v. Windsor in a 5-4 ruling, holding that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which limited federal recognition of marriage to unions between one man and one woman, violated the of the Fifth Amendment by denying lawfully married same-sex couples equal treatment under federal law. Justice authored the majority opinion, joined by Justices , , , and , reasoning that DOMA's federal intrusion into state domestic relations policy demeaned same-sex marriages recognized by states like , where Windsor and Spyer wed, and imposed a without rational justification beyond moral disapproval. The opinion emphasized heightened for laws burdening same-sex relationships, given DOMA's departure from over 200 years of federal to state marriage definitions, and invalidated the provision as an unconstitutional exercise of congressional power that singled out a class for disfavored status. Chief Justice John Roberts concurred in the judgment on standing grounds but dissented on the merits, arguing that the executive branch's refusal to defend DOMA deprived the Court of jurisdiction, as no genuine adversary process existed, and that DOMA rationally preserved traditional marriage definitions while respecting state variations. Justice dissented, joined by Justice and partially by Roberts, criticizing the majority for substituting policy preferences for constitutional text and for applying an unprincipled equal-protection analysis that equated DOMA's uniformity with , rather than viewing it as a neutral federal rule deferring to democratic processes on . Scalia warned that the decision undermined democratic authority over moral questions and lacked a limiting principle against broader mandates. Justice issued a separate , contending that should uphold DOMA, as it advanced legitimate interests in uniform federal administration, democratic deliberation on marriage's traditional man-woman definition rooted in procreation and child-rearing, and protection against hasty judicial policymaking on divisive social issues. Alito argued that the majority's invocation of stigma and equal dignity veered into territory without textual or historical basis, effectively imposing a judicially favored view of over congressional intent. The dissents collectively highlighted concerns over judicial overreach into legislative prerogatives and the potential for the ruling to accelerate nationwide redefinition of beyond federal benefits.

Activism and Public Engagement

LGBT Rights Advocacy

During her tenure at IBM, where she advanced to senior systems programmer over 16 years, Windsor leveraged her technical expertise to assist numerous lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender organizations by computerizing their mail systems and enhancing their technological capabilities. She later reflected on this work by stating, “I computerized everybody,” underscoring her role in enabling these groups to operate more efficiently amid limited resources. Following the 2013 Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Windsor, she sustained her commitment to marriage equality by becoming the first signatory on the "People's Brief," an amicus submission to the Court in Obergefell v. Hodges that amassed over 200,000 signatures in support of nationwide same-sex marriage recognition. Windsor also actively backed political candidates advancing equality measures and offered input to organizations like the Human Rights Campaign on resistance campaign materials as late as May 2017. In June 2017, she participated as a in the Capital in Washington, D.C., embodying her ongoing public engagement with the movement. Over the preceding three decades, Windsor had been a member of multiple organizations, including the East End Gay Organizations, reflecting her sustained involvement in community efforts.

Post-Case Involvement and Recognition

Following the Supreme Court's decision in on June 26, 2013, Edith Windsor intensified her public advocacy for marriage equality and broader civil rights for same-sex couples. She participated in interviews and public discussions emphasizing the ongoing need for federal and state-level protections, as evidenced in her June 26, 2014, conversation with the where she reflected on the case's implications and her commitment to continued activism. Windsor also engaged in community events, including attending the dedication of the on June 30, 2016, alongside federal officials and lawmakers, highlighting her role in commemorating key sites in . Windsor received numerous honors recognizing her contributions to legal and social change. On May 22, 2014, awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her determination in challenging discriminatory laws. That same year, on April 23, she was named an Alumni Fellow by , her , acknowledging her impact on marriage equality. In July 2014, the presented her with the Award for her efforts in overturning the Defense of Marriage Act. Additionally, on March 14, 2016, the National Council of Jewish Women honored her alongside her attorney for advancing equality. Her post-case visibility extended to pride events and organizational endorsements, reinforcing her status as a symbol of in the movement. Windsor served as a prominent figure at gatherings such as the 2017 DC Pride, where she interacted with attendees and media, underscoring her enduring public engagement until her later years. These activities and accolades affirmed her transition from litigant to enduring advocate, though she consistently credited the broader coalition of supporters for the victories achieved.

Later Life and Death

Second Marriage and Final Years

Following the death of her long-term partner Thea Spyer in 2009, Windsor entered a new relationship with Judith Kasen, a vice president at Wells Fargo Advisors. The two had encountered each other at community events prior to formalizing their partnership. On September 26, 2016, Windsor, then aged 87, and Kasen, aged 51, were married at New York City Hall in a civil ceremony. Windsor expressed that the union restored a sense of completeness after prolonged over Spyer's passing, remarking, "I feel full and whole after my years of ." The lasted less than a year, as Windsor faced declining health in her late 80s, including prior heart complications that had persisted from earlier in life. She resided in during this period, balancing personal recovery with selective public appearances tied to her prior legal and activist roles.

Death and Immediate Aftermath

Edith Windsor died on September 12, 2017, at the age of 88 in a hospital. Her wife, Judith Kasen-Windsor, confirmed the death but did not publicly disclose a specific cause, though Windsor had long battled heart problems. Windsor's funeral was held on September 15, 2017, at the in , attended by family, friends, and prominent figures in the LGBT rights movement. Eulogies highlighted her role in challenging the Defense of Marriage Act, with her lawyer describing the legal fight as a tribute to Windsor's love for her late partner Spyer and the broader community. Former Secretary of State delivered a speech praising Windsor's activism and urging continued advocacy for equality. Public reactions focused on Windsor's legacy in advancing recognition, with former President stating she had "fought for the right to be herself" and inspired millions. Lawmakers and celebrities, including New York Senator , issued tributes emphasizing her improbable journey from a grieving to a victor who reshaped federal policy. Media coverage across outlets like and portrayed her as a trailblazer whose personal loss catalyzed systemic change, though some accounts noted her reluctance for the spotlight despite post-ruling fame.

Legacy and Broader Impact

Achievements in Legal Precedent

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in , 570 U.S. 744 (2013), constituted Edith Windsor's central contribution to legal precedent by declaring Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. In a 5-4 decision authored by Justice on June 26, 2013, the Court held that DOMA violated the of the Fifth Amendment by denying federal benefits, rights, and responsibilities to lawfully married same-sex couples, thereby imposing a disadvantage, separate status, and stigma on them compared to opposite-sex couples. The opinion applied but concluded that DOMA lacked a legitimate purpose, as its enactment and enforcement were motivated by a desire to express moral disapproval rather than any rational governmental interest. This precedent mandated recognition of same-sex marriages valid under state law, impacting over 1,000 statutes governing , Social Security, immigration, and other areas. For Windsor personally, the decision facilitated a refund of $363,053 in estate taxes she had paid on the estate of her late spouse, Spyer, after the initially denied the spousal exemption under DOMA. The ruling spurred immediate administrative changes, enabling same-sex couples to access previously unavailable protections and benefits, with estimates indicating tens of thousands of couples filed amended returns in the following years to claim refunds and equal treatment. Windsor's precedent influenced subsequent jurisprudence by signaling judicial skepticism toward laws classifying on the basis of sexual orientation without a genuine policy rationale, paving the way for heightened scrutiny in lower courts. It directly informed Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015), where the Supreme Court, again via Kennedy, extended marriage rights to same-sex couples nationwide, citing Windsor's emphasis on dignity, equality, and the harms of federal disparagement of state-recognized unions. Post-Windsor, federal circuit courts struck down state marriage bans, creating splits that necessitated Obergefell's resolution, thus establishing a framework where moral condemnation alone cannot justify differential treatment of same-sex relationships under the Constitution.

Criticisms, Societal Effects, and Ongoing Debates

Critics of the Supreme Court's decision in argued that it represented an unconstitutional exercise of judicial power over democratically enacted legislation. Justice , joined by Justice , described the majority opinion as a "jaw-dropping" assertion of supremacy over and the , contending that the ruling dismissed rational bases for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), such as preserving traditional definitions across s and respecting democratic processes. Chief Justice dissented on jurisdictional grounds, asserting that the executive branch's refusal to defend DOMA mooted the case, while also defending 's to define terms uniformly without intruding on marriage laws. Justice separately criticized the majority for relying on vague principles of dignity and equal protection to invalidate a law supported by widespread at enactment, warning it undermined by federalizing state-recognized marriages. The decision facilitated federal recognition of same-sex marriages valid under state law, extending benefits like tax exemptions, Social Security survivor rights, and estate tax relief to approximately 250,000 same-sex couples filing joint returns by 2015, with marriage rates in early-adopting states nearly doubling post-ruling. This spurred litigation striking down state bans, culminating in (2015) and nationwide legalization, resulting in an estimated 823,000 married same-sex couples by 2025. Empirical studies indicate reduced and improved psychosocial outcomes for same-sex couples, including greater social acceptance and stability, though some analyses highlight ongoing economic disparities, with same-sex filers often younger and higher-income but less likely to claim dependents. Societally, Windsor intensified conflicts between equality mandates and religious liberty claims, prompting cases where providers refused services for same-sex weddings on faith grounds, as in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Civil Rights Commission (2018), where the Court upheld protections against perceived hostility toward religious views. Critics from conservative perspectives maintain that redefining detached it from procreative and child-rearing rationales, potentially eroding family structures, though longitudinal data shows no significant decline in opposite-sex marriage rates or child welfare metrics attributable to . Ongoing debates center on statutory safeguards amid fears of reversal, exemplified by the Respect for Marriage Act of 2022, which repealed DOMA remnants and required states to recognize valid out-of-state same-sex unions, responding to post-Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) concerns over judicial precedents. Proponents argue it entrenches federal protections without mandating state licensing, while opponents decry it as federal overreach pressuring non-compliant states, fueling discussions on exemptions for religious institutions and the balance between anti-discrimination laws and conscience rights. Public opinion polls post-Obergefell show majority support for same-sex marriage exceeding 70% by 2023, yet litigation persists over implementation, including interstate recognition and faith-based opt-outs.

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