Group wants to hide donors in R-71 campaign

By Associated Press

Summary

A political action committee opposed to Washington state's expanded partnerships for gay couples has sued in federal court, arguing it should be exempt from the state's campaign finance laws.

Story Published: Oct 22, 2009 at 11:55 AM PST

Story Updated: Oct 22, 2009 at 12:47 PM PST

Group wants to hide donors in R-71 campaign

Referendum 71 signature sheets.

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - A political action committee opposed to Washington state's expanded partnerships for gay couples has sued in federal court, arguing it should be exempt from the state's campaign finance laws.

The Family PAC filed a lawsuit late Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma. The group registered this week with the state's Public Disclosure Commission. It wants the court to allow it to accept contributions of more than $5,000, and to be exempt from having to report donor's names.

Referendum 71 asks voters to approve or reject the "everything but marriage" law, which grants registered domestic partners additional rights currently given only to married couples. Opposite-gender seniors also can register as domestic partners.