Washington officials have stopped releasing copies signature petitions that forced a vote on a 2009 domestic partnership law.

The secretary of state's office said Friday that it is has suspended the release of the documents until an appeals court can consider an emergency motion that seeks to keep the names of signers private. The state has already released more than 30 sets of the signatures, including to The Associated Press.

Supporters of the petition fear the public disclosure of names will lead to harassment. The attorney general's office say disclosure is necessary under public records laws.

Referendum 71 asked voters to approve or reject a domestic partnership law approved by lawmakers and the governor. The law granted registered domestic partners additional state rights previously given only to married couples.