Spokane7
49°
September 10, 2009 in City
Tacoma judge may release names of R-71 signers
TACOMA — A federal judge in Tacoma may decide today whether the public can see the names of people who signed Referendum 71. That’s the measure on the November ballot that could roll back expanded rights for domestic partners.
Gay rights activists plan to post the names online, encouraging supporters of same-sex unions to discuss the issue with anyone they may recognize.
A temporary restraining order that bars public release of the signatures expires Friday. Petitions are public records under state law.
The group Protect Marriage Washington turned in nearly 138,000 signatures to qualify R-71 for the ballot. It says signers could be harassed, amounting to an infringement on their free speech rights.
© Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Couple acquitted of caging 2 boys 
misjustice on September 10 at 9:48 a.m.
What happened to our rights to have a “private” vote? By signing that petition is the same as voting. No one needs to know how I voted in the primaries or other wise.
This is just wrong. The referendum is on the ballot, let it go at that and see what the public vote is, because we all know what will happen to those that signed to petition. Harassment beyond belief!
UniKyrn on September 10 at 11:05 a.m.
What part of “Public Record” didn’t the signers of those petitions understand? The law makes those names available to the public, they should be made available to anybody who wants to see them.
Anybody who wants to claim they should be exempt from the law because they are a “special case” needs to practice the courage of their convictions.
philipgregory on September 10 at 2:03 p.m.
“discuss the issue”
Right!
They are such reasonable rational people.
They just want to be heard.
And, if you believe that I know of some really good swamp land….
spokanada on September 10 at 3:36 p.m.
WHy did my comment get censured?