U.S. Supreme Court justice blocks release of R-71 petition names
Published 12:01 am Monday, October 19, 2009
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — 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 today 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 state 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.
Kennedy has asked state officials to file a written response in the case today.
