US Supreme Court Puts Indefinite Hold on Release of Referendum 71 Signatures

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Washington state not to release names and addresses of people who signed a petition to hold a referendum on a new law granting same-sex couples domestic partnership rights. The ban will be in place until the high court decides on whether to hear an appeal from conservatives who are pushing for the referendum. Conservative groups led by Protect Marriage Washington want to repeal a law, Senate Bill 5688, that grants more rights to state-registered domestic partners similar to those enjoyed by married couples. They have successfully petitioned for a referendum, called Referendum 71, on whether to approve or reject the legislation adopted this year. The group has said the law "will demolish the state's historical understanding and definition of marriage as that of uniting a man and a woman for life." Full Story from AHN: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7016755770

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Washington State.

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US Supreme Court Justice Puts Hold on Release of Referendum 71 Signatures

With voters beginning to decide the fate of Referendum 71, a member of the nation’s highest court on Monday entered the legal fight on whether those who helped put the controversial measure on the ballot will keep their identities secret. U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy reimposed a federal ban on releasing the names of petition signers lifted last week by a 9th Circuit Court federal appeals panel. Sponsors of Referendum 71, who want the names kept secret, asked Kennedy last week to intervene. State lawyers filed a 39-page response Monday arguing there was no basis to overturn the appeals court decision. Full Story from Herald.net: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20091020/NEWS01/710209876&news01ad=1

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Washington State.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.