Connecticut Lawsuit and Preliminary Injunction
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Background
SIFMA Files Suit to Stop Connecticut from Publishing Names
of Children and Spouses of State Contractors to the Internet
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) filed a complaint and motion for preliminary injunction in U.S District Court (D. Conn.) to stop the state from publishing the names of the spouses and dependent children of state contractors on the State Election Enforcement Commission’s Internet site on December 31, 2006, as required by the state’s campaign finance reform law.
SIFMA filed suit to protect the identity, privacy and safety of thousands of children and spouses. The law as it currently stands is unworkable, unsafe, and unconstitutional.
Though the Internet is a powerful tool for public disclosure, very real danger can result from the availability of personal information on the Web. The Federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, the FBI, and the Connecticut Department of Education Privacy Policy all warn against publishing information about children on the Internet.
SIFMA’s strong desire is to work with Connecticut officials to find a solution that is both in the public interest and consistent with the goals of the new campaign laws. However, given the December 31, 2006 deadline and the fact that the Connecticut General Assembly does not come back into session until January 2007, SIFMA had no choice but to file suit and seek a preliminary injunction on behalf of its member firms that provide vital municipal bond writing, financial advisory services, and asset management services to the state.
Complaint (Declaratory and Injunctive Relief Sought) (pdf) and Other Resources Here