Court blocks names in gay rights ballot measure

(AP) WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court is temporarily blocking Washington state officials from releasing the names of people who signed a ballot measure on gay rights.

The court’s action Tuesday maintains a hold placed Monday by Justice Anthony Kennedy, who temporarily blocked a federal appeals court ruling that had ordered the release of the names. The court said its order would remain in effect while it decides whether to take up a request by a private advocacy group to reverse the appeals court ruling.

The group, Protect Marriage Washington, opposes the state’s domestic partnership law and circulated a petition to have voters approve or reject it.

The law grants registered domestic partners the same legal rights as married heterosexuals.