In an ominous sign of things to come the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments that challenged the full release of names and addresses of those that signed Ref. 71, which was a failed effort to repeal domestic partnerships. Had the Supreme Court decided not to hear the case, the lower appellate court decision would have stood and the names would be released in accordance with normal Washington State petition procedures. The Stranger expresses what they think it means here. More background is provided here.
The implications of this decision will have far reaching consequences for campaign disclosure well beyond gay rights. It is very scary that such an important issue may come down to the decision of one single swing vote on the Supreme Court.
Ironically, it is Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna that will prove most important in getting the names disclosed and Washington’s laws enforced. This would mark and important accomplishment as McKenna will most likely be seeking election to the governor’s seat in 2012.
