The campaign that successfully backed an initiative banning same-sex marriage received a $49,000 fine today from the California Fair Political Practices Commission for violating state campaign finance disclosure laws.
Commission investigators, prompted by a state audit of the Yes on 8 campaign's 2007 and 2008 records, found the organization and its treasurer, David Bauer, failed to report $1,169,292 in contributions before the legal deadline, including $508,150 in late contributions of $1,000 or more. Investigators also found that the campaign committee didn't disclose who made a $10,000 wire transfer.
The Fair Political Practices Commission's enforcement division recommended the fine. The Proposition 8 campaign had already stipulated to the penalty before the commission sealed the deal with a 4-0 vote today.
Proposition 8, enacted by 52 percent of voters statewide in 2008, says that "only marriage between a man and woman is valid or recognized in California."
Federal trial and appellate courts ruled the measure unconstitutional, but the law has remained in effect as the case travels the court system. Proposition 8 supporters on July 31 asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case.
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