Ozark fire settles same-sex benefits lawsuit with ACLU

Ozark, Mo. (AP) — A small southwest Missouri fire department has settled a lawsuit with the American Civil Liberties Union and a former fire captain who was seeking benefits for her same-sex wife.

Fire Captain Andi Mooneyham and the ACLU sued the Ozark Fire Protection District over its refusal to put her wife on its insurance plan.

The ACLU said in a news release the fire district agreed Wednesday to pay Mooneyham $20,000. The lawsuit was dismissed.

The Springfield News-Leader reports after Mooneyham sought the benefits in 2014, an attorney told the Ozark Fire Board said it couldn't extend benefits to same-sex couples because Missouri's constitution said marriage was only between a man and a woman. The ACLU then became involved in the case.

Moonyham no longer works for the fire protection district.

Information from: Springfield News-Leader, Springfield, MO.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – September 11, 2015 @ 9am.