Donors of Prop. 8 campaign not exempt from campaign-finance disclosure

The sponsoring committee of Proposition 8, Protect Marriage, filed a suit arguing that disclosure of the names of those who donated at least $100 to the campaign has led to "consumer boycotts, picketing and even death threats." U.S. District Judge Morrison England denied the request and strongly supported "full and fair disclosure of everyone who's involved in these political campaigns."

Proposition 8 proponents' complaint that a California campaign-finance disclosure law has led to harassment of same-sex marriage opponents failed to sway a federal judge, who refused Thursday to throw out the law or shield donors' names.

"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.

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