Yesterday, the US Supreme Court sided with supporters of Washington state’s civil union law, ruling that organizers of a petition drive to put a repeal of the civil union law on the 2008 ballot must make public the the names of anyone who signed the petition. The ruling is a little confusing, but it comes down to a question of scope: in their appeal to the Supreme Court, the anti-gay activists behind Referendum 71 argued that all disclosure laws were unconstitutional violations of the First Amendment, instead of limiting their challenge to the specific Washington state law mandating the name of any petition-signer be made public. While the Supreme Court rejected the anti-gay activists’ argument, the court ruled that the plaintiffs may seek a re-match in a lower court by making a narrower argument that, in this specific case, Washington’s Public Records Act would expose signatories to the petition creating Referendum 71 to harassment and potential harm to their lives, property, and businesses. California’s experience with Proposition 8 supporters, some of whom have been subject to boycotts or other shaming tactics, suggests that a lower court may buy into the anti-gay forces’ arguments.

Elsewhere…

Hawaii – The Human Rights Campaign helps weaken a major Hawaii business group’s opposition to the state’s pending civil unions legislation by getting some of the group’s member companies to speak up about their support for the draft law. (The Box Turtle Bulletin)

D.C. – While Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen claims that Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell discharges are now limited to those who actively out themselves, Pam’s House Blend illustrates how this claim is decidedly less than true. (Pam’s House Blend)

Iowa – While the National Organization for Marriage may be making a cross-country tour to promote their agenda, they won’t be doing it without opposition – New York-based Freedom To Marry is going to be following hot on their heels. (The Iowa Independent)

New York – Speaking of New York and marriage, activists have re-launched a bid to legalize same-gender marriage in New York state, following its close defeat last year. (Joe.My.God)

Texas – A trans Houston college student (and activist) robbed and assaulted in a campus bathroom by a razor-and-transphobic-epithet-wielding attacker. (Houston Press)

California – Does this California Macy’s need a pro-trans makeover, American Eagle-style? (Queerty)