A federal judge has upheld Internet disclosure of donors' names and other identifying information in state-mandated reports, [which] has led to consumer boycotts, picketing and even death threats.
-- From "Prop. 8 campaign can't hide donors' names" by Bob Egelko, San Fran. Chronicle Staff Writer 1/30/09
"If there ever needs to be sunshine on a particular issue, it's a ballot measure," U.S. District Judge Morrison England said after a one-hour hearing in his Sacramento courtroom.
A lawyer for the Prop. 8 campaign said it would ask an appeals court to modify or overturn the law, which requires disclosure of all contributors of $100 or more.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld campaign disclosure laws in 1976 but ruled in 1982 that the Socialist Workers Party in Ohio could shield its donors' names because of a history of attacks and reprisals.
[Judge England] noted that some of the reprisals reported by the Prop. 8 committee involve legal activities such as boycotts and picketing. Other alleged actions, such as death threats, mailings of white powder and vandalism, may constitute "repugnant and despicable acts" but can be reported to law enforcement, the judge said.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
