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TIVERTON, R.I. – A retired Tiverton (Rhode Island) High School teacher married in Massachusetts (search) last year has asked for health care coverage for her same-sex spouse.
The Tiverton School Committee is seeking an answer from a Newport County Superior Court judge on the legality of Cheryl McCullough’s request.
McCullough married Joyce Boivin nearly seven months ago in Massachusetts. The couple lives in Swansea, Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is legal.
After the wedding, McCullough asked the Tiverton School Department to cover Boivin under a family health insurance plan. School committee members weren’t sure if they could add Boivin to the plan because it’s not clear whether Rhode Island (search) recognizes same-sex marriages.
Lawyers for both sides say this is the first case of its kind in Rhode Island.
A ruling could come later this month.