In their regularly scheduled meeting today, the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission heard a request for a "reporting variance" that would allow Protect Marriage Washington to hide their donors from public disclosure.
After hearing testimony and a 14 minute adjournment the commission returned and a motion was made and seconded to deny the reporting variance request and then there was some brief discussion.
Commissioner Nolan pointed out "We have to find a manifestly unreasonable hardship and that it will not frustrate the provisions of the statute... I deeply regret that you have suffered insults, but the kinds of actions you are describing do not begin to meet the unreasonable hardship test."
Another commissioner observed that "If we granted this, there would be no public disclosure" but also underlined the importance of maintaining a civil dialog.
Finally, the commission chairman expressed his sympathy for the experiences of the petitioners and called for the final vote. The commissioners present voted unanimously to deny Protect Marriage Washington a reporting variance for it's donor information and reaffirmed the crucial importance of public disclosure in Washington State government.