Court blocks Washington state from releasing traditional marriage supporters' names

Tacoma, Wash.
Aug 13, 2010

A court order on Wednesday blocked Washington state from releasing the names and addresses of individuals who signed a referendum petition to repeal a domestic partnership law. Supporters of the referendum praised the move, saying it would reduce the risk of threats and harassment targeting those who support traditional marriage.

Several groups opposed to the 2009 referendum had threatened to post the names of petition signers on the Internet in an effort to encourage “uncomfortable conversations” with petition signers, the law firm Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom reported.

Firm member James Bopp Jr. served as lead counsel for referendum backer Protect Marriage Washington. the rest

“Supporters of traditional marriage have received death threats and have had their personal property destroyed after standing up to protect the institution of marriage,” Bopp commented. “No one should have to endure the harassment that these individuals have endured in their personal and professional lives for standing up for what they believe in. I am confident that when the judge considers all of the evidence, copies of the petitions will not be released to the public.”