The Family Council, which promoted the anti-gay Act 1, has objected to the Massachusetts’ group’s compilation and posting of the names of people who signed to put the adoption restriction measure on the ballot. Here’s the database.

The Family Council  release is on the jump. But first there, you’ll find a local activist who worked in the publishing effort, Randi Romo, with a portion of her response. 

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Names on ballot petitions are public information. Neither release nor publication of it is a crime, despite the Family Council’s libelous implication. The signatures may be scrutinized for authenticity and compliance with state law. Signers may even find themselves in court to testify about signatures in extreme cases of ballot contests. This is worth remembering by anyone who signs a petition. I only sign the ones I support. Signatures mean something.

The Family Council sees a chilling effect in releasing the information. There’s a far greater chilling effect in legislating an inferior form of citizenship for a particular class of person based on prejudice, whether against age, sex, race, religion or sexual orientation.  If that suspect class fights back with legal tools — an open records law and free speech — the chilling effect is on tyranny, not freedom. Those who fear exposure demonstrate that they have little confidence or pride in their position.  Stand up and be counted. Randi Romo did.

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The Family Council apparently wants an attorney general’s opinion on whether the information may be released. It says it is prepared to seek legislation to limit public access if necessary. That’s silly as well as un-American. It would work against their interest in time. Public review of petitions is critical to the verification process — even for a pro-gay marriage initiative, come the day. Today’s objection is nothing but an attempt to change the subject. It’s human nature to want to do mean and embarrassing deeds in secret. Ask the nightriders. Sunshine is, as ever, a disinfectant for such poison.

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