New Mexico's donor-disclosure law has prompted two nonprofit organizations to file a federal lawsuit claiming a violation of freedom of speech.
The law targets issue-focused groups, requiring them to report identifying information and donations over a certain amount to the government. This information is then made public on the internet. The law also requires organizations to put sponsorship disclaimers on their materials and register as political committees.
In response, New Mexico's Rio Grande Foundation and the Illinois Opportunity Project have come together to bring Rio Grande Foundation et al. v. Oliver. Represented by Chicago-based Liberty Justice Center, both organizations say they are challenging a law that intimidates supporters and violates free speech.
"By naming and shaming individuals who support different viewpoints, this law effectively prevents everyday Americans from advocating for causes they believe in and favors powerful, entrenched political interests,” said Patrick Hughes, president and co-founder of the Liberty Justice Center. "New Mexico is stifling free speech and we will do everything we can to block this unconstitutional law.”
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