Anti-Prop 8 Fallout

Remember how gay activists "Outed" Prop 8 supporters last year by publishing their names, addresses, places of business and financial contributions and then urged gay marriage supporters to "contact" these people to express their displeasure? It was part of the Prop 8 Maps Project, which used Google Maps to pinpoint Prop 8 supporters (ironically, those behind the project kept themselves anonymous).

Well, is seems that gay marriage supporters in Washington State planned to use the same tactics there to, uh, "convince" their opponents not to sign a defense of marriage petition in that state. But this time, a federal judge wants to see where political debate ends and voter intimidation begins.

A news release from the law firm Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom, which represents Project Marriage Washington, notes in part:

“This has triggered hundreds of cases of harassment, vandalism and threats of violence directed at marriage supporters throughout the nation. Such personal attacks occurred in large numbers after the adoption of Proposition 8 in California last November ... No one should have to suffer vandalism and death threats just because they support government protection of traditional marriage.”

A U.S. District Judge agreed to issue a temporary restraining order preventing the release of petition signers’ names will remain in effect until the court makes a permanent ruling.

For more on the case, visit the Catholic News Agency.