Gays in Washington state give up petition battle; Judge will not release names of signers
”Washington Families Standing Together announced Wednesday night that the group won’t appeal Tuesday’s ruling on Referendum 71 by Thurston County Superior Court Judge Thomas McPhee…. That clears the way for a statewide vote on R-71 this November.”
Brian Zylstra on the Washington Secretary of State’s blog explaining, again, thate Referendum 71 will be put on the November ballot, and that public will be voting to re-approve gay domestic partnership rights, not reject R-71. (Washington Secretary of State)
”When people sign a referendum or initiative petition, they are trying to change state law. We believe that changing state law should be open to public view.”
Brian Zylstra of the Secretary of State’s office which is on the side of public disclosure in the legal battle over Referendum 71 — a ballot initiative designed to overturn the Washington state legislature and the Governor who have approved a bill that extends many of the legal benefits associated with marriage to same-sex domestic partnerships. (Associated Press)
”The court has said, and said rightly, that the ability to participate, even anonymously, in the political process is a long and respected right in the United States.”
Stephen Pidgeon the attorney for an group that is working to keep gay relationships from earning any legal recognition called “Protect Marriage.” The issue at hand is not same-sex marriage, but the extension of benefits to civil partnerships; and Pidgeon’s clients have successfully submitted, and subsequently defended, enough signatures to place a referendum on the next ballot that is very likely going to roll back those recently adopted legal benefits. The courts in Washington thus far have sided with the socially conservative group on several occasions in the last few weeks, including the validity of petitions that have not been signed by the signature gatherer, which is required by state law. (Associated Press)
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
