Today, Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the fiercely anti-LGBT National Organization for Marriage (NOM) must release a donor list in connection with the state’s marriage referendum campaign in 2009.
The Bangor Daily News reported that NOM has already paid a record-breaking fine of $50,250 to the Maine Ethics Commission and registered as a ballot question committee, but it continues to resist revealing its national donor list. The organization had requested a stay on the release of that list while its case against the ethics commission is pending in the Law Court, but today’s decision essentially denies that request.
Last year, the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices staff issued a report concluding that NOM intentionally violated Maine law after it failed to register or report its activities. NOM played a central role in co-managing and funding a $3 million campaign against marriage equality.
Let’s expose NOM for what it is – Noxious Obtuse Morons.
Despite this latest ruling, NOM hopes to delay at least another year or two before releasing its donor list, while at least 2 additional lawsuits and appeals drag on.
1. NOM has already admitted that its current case in the Maine Supreme Court is challenging the Maine Ethics Commission’s ruling.
2. In case NOM loses the current state lawsuit, NOM is considering another suit in federal trial court, then in federal appeals court, then in the U.S. Supreme court.