AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ State officials say they’ve complied with a court order and amended the death certificate of a man to include the name of his same-sex spouse.
The Texas Department of State Health Services said in a statement Thursday night that John Stone-Hoskins of Conroe has been added to the death certificate for James Stone-Hoskins, who died in January, months after the couple had married in New Mexico.
John Stone-Hoskins said in a federal court filing earlier this week that the certificate initially listed him only as a “significant other.”
He argued the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision on gay marriage in June means state records such as death certificates should recognize such unions.
A judge agreed, requiring State Health Services to amend the Stone-Hoskins certificate along with others.
The agency is responsible for maintaining vital records.