In the latest skirmish over whether items of public record may be viewed by the public, the side aiming to keep open records from being open has won a round.
(Not that you can tell where I stand on this issue.)
Judge Benjamin Settle today granted the request of Protect Discrimination Washington, I mean, Protect Prejudice Washington, I mean, Protect CivilRightsDenialIsAFunGame Washington, to keep the signatures of R-71 under wrap of secrecy. For the time being.
To its credit, the Secretary of State's office and now the state's Attorney General wish to appeal so the signatures will become part of the public record, as they have been for past initiatives.
(R-71 is a citizens' initiative aimed at removing certain civil rights granted gay couples earlier this year by the state legislature. It will appear on the November ballot. A yes vote on the initiative, perversely, keeps those civil rights intact. Vote no if you're in favor of hate.)
Got this from the Seattle Times:
"Settle said people have a right to participate anonymously in the political process, and the state's Public Records Act is likely unconstitutional because it abridges that right. The decision alarmed state officials and public records advocates, who said he misinterpreted Supreme Court precedent and would eviscerate open government laws."
So, a silver lining. Good.
More from the Times:
"But state Assistant Attorney General Jim Pharris told the judge that Protect Marriage hasn't shown significant harm beyond rude comments or phone calls - nothing that would 'be appropriate to overturning the state's strong tradition for open government.' "
I feel better. Well, not better. But hopeful. Meanwhile, YES on R-71.
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