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http://seattletimes.com)
A nonprofit organization filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), saying that, while fighting Initiative 522 in Washington, the group has acted as a political committee to solicit and "launder" money from others whose identities are "illegally concealed."
I-522 would require labeling for foods that contain GMOs.
The organization that filed the lawsuit, Moms for Labeling, says that, by not disclosing which of its members contributed to the No on 522 campaign, GMA is harming voters and breaking the law. One member of the group says that out-of-state companies are hiding behind GMA to protect their public image while opposing GMO labeling laws and trying to keep consumers in the dark.
For the sake of transparency, Washington law requires an organization to register as a political committee if it raises money to support or oppose a particular ballot measure. However, organizations are not required to register if the contributions come from a general fund used for a variety of purposes, as long as the organization's primary purpose is not to influence elections. Organizations registered as a political committee must file regular reports showing who has contributed more than $25 and how the money is being spent.
