That is expected to happen next year when the Supreme Court will weigh the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act through the prism of Windsor and Spyer 's story . David Windsor and Thea Spyer met in New York and were together more than 40 years . They could n't legally marry in the US , but they did tie the knot in 2007 in Germany . When she died , Windsor paid a large inheritance tax -- then fought it in court . A court ruled their union was valid ; the Supreme Court will take up the case next year .
David Windsor and Thea Spyer met in New York and were together more than 40 years . They could n't legally marry in the US , but they did tie the knot in 2007 in Germany . When she died , Windsor paid a large inheritance tax -- then fought it in court . A court ruled their union was valid ; the Supreme Court will take up the case next year .