On the ballot again

Washington State approved a domestic partner benefit law which is about as close as one can get without actually calling it marriage. As expected, some Fundies lied (including some citizens were tricked into signing) their way to barely enough signatures to force voter approval of the law. It didn't help there is a cloud over the signature approval process. Part of it seems to be the law says only registered voters may sign the petitions and those approving signatures say the person only needs to be registered by the time the name is checked. At this point it looks like there were only 1,500 more signatures than required and 4,000 signatures may be questionable. It's that close. Alas, the appeal deadline has passed so the question has been approved for the November ballot.

So, all you in Washington: Approve Referendum 71! A donation would help too.

Another nasty aspect of the case is a federal judge sided with the Fundies and, contrary to the law in Washington, said the names of those who signed don't have to be disclosed. First of all, we don't like sneaks. We want people to take responsibility for their actions. Second, we want to be able to face our accusers. Third, this precedent allows special interests to take over the government in secrecy.