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Originally published October 19, 2009 at 8:58 AM | Page modified October 20, 2009 at 1:02 AM

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Justice Kennedy blocks release of R-71 names

The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to rule on whether people who sign a referendum should have their names made public.

The Associated Press

SEATTLE —

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy has temporarily blocked Washington state officials from releasing the names of people who signed a ballot measure on gay rights.

Kennedy's ruling Monday temporarily blocks a federal appeals court ruling last week that ordered the release of the names. Kennedy said his order would remain in effect while he considers a request by a pro-marriage group that asked him to reverse the appeals court ruling.

The case involves Referendum 71, a ballot initiative that asks Washington voters to approve or reject the state's so-called "everything but marriage" law, which grants registered domestic partners the same legal rights as married heterosexuals.

A group called Protect Marriage Washington circulated a petition to put the domestic partnership law before the voters. Under the Washington state constitution, voters have the power to reject any law through the referendum process.

In September, U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle temporarily barred state officials from releasing the identities of those who signed the referendum petitions. Settle held that releasing the names could chill the First Amendment rights of petition signers.

Gay rights supporters and open-government groups sought to disclose the names, saying that signers should be identified so the public knows who is behind Referendum 71.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed Settle's decision last week. The appeals court said Thursday that Washington's secretary of state can release the names and addresses of people who signed petitions calling for a public vote.

Despite the appeals court ruling, the names weren't immediately released because a state court order remained in effect. A Superior Court judge in Olympia, Wash., is set to hear arguments Tuesday on how to respond to the appeals court decision.

In appealing to Kennedy to intervene, Protect Marriage Washington argued that state officials had suddenly changed a long-standing practice of keeping confidential the identities of those who signed referendum petitions. The group said signers of the petition fear hostile confrontations from gay rights supporters and noted that their campaign manager had received death threats.

James Bopp Jr., a lawyer who represents the group, said releasing the names of those who signed the petition would make the group's appeal of the 9th Circuit ruling moot.

Janelle Guthrie, a spokeswoman for Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna, said state officials were merely defending the state's public records law.

The attorney general's office argued in court that there's little evidence of threats or harassment amounting to more than a few rude phone calls.

State officials filed a 39-page response with the Supreme Court on Monday, arguing there is no basis to overturn the appeals court decision.

More Local News headlines...

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For everyone who wants the names to be made public, remember - the ruling will cut both ways. Although you may get what you want today,...  Posted on October 19, 2009 at 10:34 AM by Mike Garrison. Jump to comment
A petition is a public call for action. You're announcing that you support the cause that you're putting your signature to. If you make...  Posted on October 19, 2009 at 9:41 AM by Elliwen. Jump to comment
Participation in acts of PUBLIC LEGISLATURE is a PUBLIC activity, whether you're a legislator or a citizen. You sponsor the bill, your name is...  Posted on October 19, 2009 at 10:15 AM by DowntownTaylor. Jump to comment

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