AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — In a suit stemming from the gay marriage issue, a federal judge has ruled that some of Maine’s regulations applying to independent advertising are unconstitutional.

In his ruling Thursday, District Judge Brock Hornby upholds most of Maine’s reporting regulations applying to political action committees. Attorney General Janet Mills applauded the ruling, saying it upholds the state’s campaign reporting and disclosure law.

But he sides with the National Organization for Marriage in ruling that a state regulation requiring 24-hour disclosure of any independent expenditures over $250 is unconstitutionally burdensome.

NOM opposes same-sex marriage and has been involved in political activities in Maine and other states. Maine voters repealed the state’s same-sex marriage law last year, but NOM wants to run ads leading up to this year’s legislative elections.


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