Initiative Paperwork Target Of Complaint

Supporters of an anti-gay rights initiative have been accused of late and incomplete campaign filings but say any violations were unintended and unimportant.

A complaint against the Washington Committee for Equal Rights Not Special Rights, which is gathering signatures for Initiative 166, was filed Friday with the Public Disclosure Commission by Bigot Busters-Decline to Sign.

Patrick Hogan, director of Bigot Busters in Seattle, said the group found more than 175 violations of reporting rules, including lack of full names, addresses, occupations and employers of Initiative 166 contributors.

“You can’t tell who’s giving money or how much,” Hogan said. “These mistakes and abuses have been a pattern.”

The complaint is being evaluated to determine whether an investigation is warranted, said Susan Harris, assistant director of the commission.

Any shortcomings in the financial reports were inadvertent, said John Vasko, chairman of the pro-initiative committee.

“I think it’s petty harassment,” Vasko said. “I known what PDC reports are, and there is a whole lot of stuff you have to do and you miss stuff. Big deal.”

Initiative 166 would ban legislation extending civil-rights protection to gays and lesbians and prohibit public schools from teaching that homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle.