ACLU, gay couples seek Fla. marriage recognition

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Eight gay couples and the American Civil Liberties Union have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to force Florida to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

ACLU of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon said Thursday that same-sex couples suffer discrimination in many ways. Examples include problems getting spouses covered by health insurance, difficulties with inheritance rules and problems with workers' compensation benefits.

The lawsuit names Gov. Rick Scott and other top Florida officials. It asks a judge to declare Florida's refusal to recognize same-sex marriages as unconstitutional. The lawsuit also wants a ruling requiring the state to recognize the marriages.

Earlier this year, another lawsuit challenged Florida's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia allow gay marriage.