Gay rights supporters asking court to release names of opponents
Wed. April 28, 2010 12:00 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
Washington, D.C. -
On Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments over whether the names on petitions to deny gays rights should be made public.
At issue are 122,000 signatures on petitions gathered by "Protect Marriage Washington." That group succeeded in getting Referendum 71 on the ballot in Washington State last November, asking voters whether to approve or repeal the state's domestic partners law. The domestic partner law was approved 53 to 47 percent.
Some gay rights groups and various media organizations have asked to see the names on the petitions. "Protect Marriage Washington" argues that the signers might be in physical danger if their names are released.
A judge granted a temporary restraining order keeping the names from being released. The Ninth Circuit Court reversed that order, so "Protect Marriage" appealed to the Supreme Court.
At issue are 122,000 signatures on petitions gathered by "Protect Marriage Washington." That group succeeded in getting Referendum 71 on the ballot in Washington State last November, asking voters whether to approve or repeal the state's domestic partners law. The domestic partner law was approved 53 to 47 percent.
Some gay rights groups and various media organizations have asked to see the names on the petitions. "Protect Marriage Washington" argues that the signers might be in physical danger if their names are released.
A judge granted a temporary restraining order keeping the names from being released. The Ninth Circuit Court reversed that order, so "Protect Marriage" appealed to the Supreme Court.