I am happy that the distinction was made on here between voting and petitioning.  There are differences between them.  One major difference is that one signs his name on a petition, but not on a ballot.

I think it is more of figuring out how to square the Freedom of Information Act with individual Right to Privacy.  Then again, the Right to Privacy does not necessarily apply in public settings - as we all, hopefully, understand. 

Still though, what reasons would there be to keep private one’s beliefs?  Fear maybe?  Seriously.  I mean, there is no reason to be afraid.  Is there? 

After all, would one be willing to die for his beliefs if it came down to it?  I think this is THE question for those who are against written petitions being made public record should answer for himself.  If the answer is “no”, then don’t sign petitions.  If the answer is “yes”, more power to him as signing petitions shows bravery, conviction, and courage for what he believes in.

This decision made by the SCOTUS is no big deal, really, if one just steps back and thinks about it for a while.

@BigJess::

I respectfully disagree.  I actually had to check to see if Hell Froze over—but Scalia is right (did I just say that?)

That is now way to run a democracy.

Something is terribly wrong in our society if we’ve gotten to the point that folks should be able to loose jobs, etc ... over their political opinions are afraid to voice their political opinions freely in the light of day.

Sorry, but I disagree if you want to sign-away your fellow citizen’s Human Rights then do so proudly on your own two feet.

My 2 cents imho.

big jess has a big point.  your boss finds out you signed a petition?  one could never prove that is why the workplace just got rough and you eventually lose your job.  also, ‘cowards,’ come on, truthdig.  name calling?  quite disappointing

Homosexuality is not a choice.  Just like you don’t choose the color of your skin, you cannot choose whom you are sexually attracted to. If you can, sorry, but you are not heterosexual, you are bi-sexual. Virtually all major psychological and medical experts agree that sexual orientation is NOT a choice. Most gay people will tell you its not a choice. Common sense will tell you its not a choice. While science is relatively new to studying homosexuality, studies tend to indicate that its biological.

http://www-news.uchicago.edu/releases/03/differential-brain-activation.pdf
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/sex/dn14146-gay-brains-structured-like-those-of-the-opposite-sex.html
Gay, Straight Men’s Brain Responses Differ
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,155990,00.html
http://www.livescience.com/health/060224_gay_genes.html
http://www.springerlink.com/content/w27453600k586276/
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2008/06/16/172/

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that homosexuality is not a choice. Sexual orientation is generally a biological trait that is determined pre-natally, although there is no one certain thing that explains all of the cases. “Nurture” may have some effect, but for the most part it is biological.

And it should also be noted that:
“It is worth noting that many medical and scientific organizations do believe it is impossible to change a person’s sexual orientation and this is displayed in a statement by American Academy of Pediatrics, American Counseling Association, American Association of School Administrators, American Federation of Teachers, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, American School Health Association, Interfaith Alliance Foundation, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Social Workers, and National Education Association.”

You guys are seriously screwed up if you think this is a victory. It’s exactly the opposite. I live in CA and have been active in five local (city) initiatives and referendums, all “green” measures dealing with imposing limits on growth and over-development. One of the great things about CA law is that the names of signers of referendum, initiative, and recall petitions are confidential. The organizers of a petition drive can’t even keep a copy of the signers for their own use in trying to win the election if the measure qualifies.

The reason for this is simple: many people rightfully fear retaliation for signing petitions. Public employees and corporate employees alike can lose jobs, promotions, etc. Members of certain churches or people who send their kids to certain private schools can find themselves (or their kids) criticized, shunned, even expelled.

Look at the reason for this suit: Why would someone want to find out who signed this petition if not to attack, harass, or otherwise discriminate against those people? (Note: the proponents of a petition are public knowledge, printed right on the petition form for all to see. And anyone who contributes $100 or more in cash or in-kind services such as donated printing must be disclosed on financial reporting forms.)

Now put the shoe on the other foot: how would backers of a PRO-gay marriage or PRO-gay equality petition feel if they had to tell every potential signer that the signer’s name would be public knowledge? (I’m personally aware of situations where someone signed only because they knew their spouse would never find out.)

This case and this decision just gave the corporate power structure another huge weapon against the common citizen and the concept of participatory democracy.