Buckeye Reporter

The Buckeye Institute has filed an amicus brief with the Arizona Supreme Court in the case of Center for Arizona Policy v. Arizona. The brief challenges Proposition 211, which mandates extensive donor disclosure for nonprofit organizations in Arizona.

Robert Alt, president and CEO of The Buckeye Institute, stated that "Arizona’s Proposition 211 creates government lists of donors to nonprofit organizations. It would be difficult to find a law that is more chilling to free speech and association." He referenced a previous U.S. Supreme Court decision from four years ago that invalidated California's similar donor disclosure requirement as unconstitutional, arguing that Arizona's law is even more severe.

The Buckeye Institute's brief contends that anonymous organization, speech, and association were critical during the American Revolution and in the creation of foundational U.S. documents like the Constitution and Bill of Rights. It further argues that Arizona’s state constitution provides stronger protections for free speech and freedom of association than those found at the federal level.

The Goldwater Institute represents several parties challenging Proposition 211, including the Center for Arizona Policy, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, and two private donors.