UPDATED (2): Federal Judge Rules R-71 Signatures Can Be Withheld For Now

Citing the First Amendment, a federal judge has ruled that the signatures of those signing R-71, the referendum to block civil unions, must continue to be withheld pending a final decision.

Some of the signers of a similar petition in California were harassed by those opposed to that measure. On the other hand, there could be mischief if no one can see if the signatures on initiatives and referenda are legitimate--what if there are pages of signatures of "Mickey Mouse" (based on a true story)?

UPDATE 1: Another story, this one quoting Allied Law Group's Michele Earl-Hubbard.

UPDATE 2: A great story on this case from The (Vancouver) Columbian.