Supreme Court Justices Discuss Gay Marriage

On Wednesday, three Washington state Supreme Court justices appeared at a panel discussion that focused on Judicial campaign costs and same-sex marriage.

Cornell Clayton, a political science professor and director of the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service, moderated the panel and discussion that took place between Chief Justice Gerry Alexander, Associate Chief Justice Charles Johnson and Justice Richard Sanders. Justices Susan Owens and James Johnson were in attendance as well, but as part of the audience.

After introductions and a brief reflection on the significance of state courts, the justices spoke about their views on the high cost of judicial elections which have become increasingly partisan.

In 2006 Alexander estimated he and Owens raised $600,000 each to support their efforts to fill the positions. Even more alarming, approximately $2.5 million was raised by special interest groups to campaign against Alexander alone.

“This could be beneficial because special interest money attracts attention to otherwise largely ignored races,” Alexander said. “On the other hand, it poses the question of whether the public wants special interests influencing the selection of the judiciary.”

“(Special interest money) is damaging to the confidence the public must have in the judiciary,” Johnson said.

Another hot topic at the panel discussion was the 2006 Andersen v. King County case.  It was then the court decided the state’s Defense of Marriage Act complied with the state Constitution, which ruled out the legalization of same-sex marriage.“We’re not all equal, we’re all different,” Sanders said.

“Same-sex marriage is unheard of in prior societies and this one, and the Constitution treats all classes and citizens equally in this respect.” Sanders said.

Alexander said, “That doesn’t mean we think gay marriage is a good thing or a bad thing. It is up to the Legislature or the people, via ballot initiative, to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington.”