WhoSigned.org
Who we are
WhoSigned.Org is a grassroots organization of Washington State residents who
believe that fairness, equality and freedom from discrimination are core values
of our state.
We believe the process for initiative and referendum petitions that maintain discrimination
by opposing equal rights and protections for Washington State residents must meet
a high standard of transparency to ensure a fair and open discussion in the public
forum.
Why we exist
In April 2009 our elected representatives in the Washington State Legislature passed
SB 5688. This bill expands existing Domestic Partnership legislation
that protects both same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples aged 62 and older.
The bill also provides more protection and security to thousands of children who
are growing up in the homes of same-sex couples in Washington State (according to
analysis of US Census data, 18% of all same-sex couples
in Washington State are raising children under 18 years of age).
The Faith and Freedom Network, under the leadership of Oregon
resident Garry Randall
and Larry Stickney, have lodged Referendum 71 to prevent these expanded Domestic
Partnership protections from being enacted. Once the referendum title and description
are approved, they have until July 25th 2009 to collect the 120,577 signatures needed
to place Referendum 71 on the ballot in November 2009.
At a time when many states are moving from Domestic Partnerships and Civil Unions
to providing Civil Marriage equality to their citizens, Washington state is still
struggling with whether and how they will treat all couples and families equally.
What we are doing
Once signature petitions for initiatives and referenda are submitted and verified
by the Secretary of State they are part of the public record. When signatures
for Referendum 71 have been verified WhoSigned.Org will:
- Work to make this public record signature information accessible and searchable
on the internet.
- Flag the 3% signature sample that is certified by the Elections Division of the
Secretary of State.
- Provide Washington State Voters with a way to check that the public record of their
advocacy is correct.
- Provide Washington State Voters with a way of reporting when their signature has
been recorded either fraudulently or in error.
Contacts
Press and Media enquiries brian.murphy.wa.usa@gmail.com