A Fortunate Series of Events / 7-23-10

Why yes, I do continue to rip off everyone and everything for my headlines. Thanks for noticing.

I wrote about 3,529 posts on gay rights last year, but have neglected to wrap up some loose ends on that topic. (Goody!)

As it turns out, we do have an open democratic process in this country, when we take the trouble to defend it.

The Supreme Court thinks so too. It said as much last month, when the Supremes ruled 8-1 that if you want a referendum on the ballot and you sign your name to get it there, that becomes a matter of public record.

From Chief Justice John Roberts, who I would usually only quote in a fit of mockery, but not this time, I suppose: "Public disclosure thus helps ensure that the only signatures counted are those that should be, and that the only referenda placed on the ballot are those that garner enough valid signatures. Public disclosure also promotes transparency and accountability in the electoral process to an extent other measures cannot."

Add a tally to the side in favor of an open records; subtract a point (more, if you feel like it) from the fearmongering hatecrowd. (Fine, OK, you have permission to take all their points.)

So what we had happen here in the last year or so, chronologically:

1. State legislators decide all adult citizens should have same civil rights
2. Angry people think that's a bad idea
3. Angry people seek anonymity even as they sign petition to get their anti-equality referendum on the ballot
4. Angry people win skirmish in lower court, receive anonymity
5. Secretary of State sues to make list of referendum signers public
6. Referendum fails anyway. Voters affirm civil rights actually apply to all citizens! (Narrowly. But still.)
7. Case makes its way to the Supreme Court
8. Open records win!
9. Gay couples continue to inch closer to full equality with straight married citizens.
10. We wait for court injuction to be lifted, and names become public.

And then, of course, 11: Violent Bitter Gay People get a hold of the list of referendum's signers and harass them mercilessly. Things escalate, and many people are injured and/or killed. Riots ensue.

Oh, that? That's just the theory put forward by the group dedicated to keeping civil rights segregated to their favorite list of Americans. Yeah, those people are generally right on the money, so that's probably what'll happen. Uh huh.

P.S.: WA Secretary of State Sam Reed and AG Rob McKenna, both Republicans, praised the Supreme Court's decision. Good for them. I generally like those guys. I voted for them once and I will again.