Ken Schram: I think the judge blew it
U.S. District Judge Benjamin Settle agreed to keep the names of people who signed a referendum seeking to overturn our state's so-called "everything but marriage law," under wraps.
He did this despite the fact that, under state law, the petition information is public record.
But the anti-gay crowd argued that if the names were made public, it would put those people at risk of being harassed, which would be tantamount to an infringement on their right to free speech.
They reached that conclusion after a group of misguided gay rights supporters served notice that it planned to publish the names of everyone who signed the petitions.
The gay rights group said its purpose is to discuss the issue with those who signed the petitions, but let's be candid here: Its intimidation, pure and simple.
Now, I've long supported gay rights and gay marriage.
And I think referendum 71 is a petty, mean-spirited attempt to suppress the rights of same sex couples.
I also think those gay rights supporters who wanted to publish those names have stupidly given ammunition to the folks behind the referendum.
And now we end up with a judge that ignores the law in favor of those who want to hide behind it.
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Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.
He did this despite the fact that, under state law, the petition information is public record.
But the anti-gay crowd argued that if the names were made public, it would put those people at risk of being harassed, which would be tantamount to an infringement on their right to free speech.
They reached that conclusion after a group of misguided gay rights supporters served notice that it planned to publish the names of everyone who signed the petitions.
The gay rights group said its purpose is to discuss the issue with those who signed the petitions, but let's be candid here: Its intimidation, pure and simple.
Now, I've long supported gay rights and gay marriage.
And I think referendum 71 is a petty, mean-spirited attempt to suppress the rights of same sex couples.
I also think those gay rights supporters who wanted to publish those names have stupidly given ammunition to the folks behind the referendum.
And now we end up with a judge that ignores the law in favor of those who want to hide behind it.
---
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.