US Appeals Court Restores Anti-Whistleblower 'Ag-Gag' Laws In Iowa
The laws backed by the agribusiness and food industry have been condemned for discouraging journalism, whistleblowing, and freedom of speech
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A United States appeals court restored two “ag-gag” laws that were passed by the state of Iowa on behalf of the food and agribusiness industry. The laws have been condemned for suppressing journalism, whistleblowing, and freedom of speech.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds hailed the decision by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in a statement shared with Farm Journal, a leading trade publication for U.S. agribusiness. “This is a win for both Iowans and the country. Iowa farmers feed and fuel the world and are an essential part of the global food supply chain.”
“No longer will people be able to gain access or employment to agricultural production facilities with the intent to cause physical injury or economic harm. We will always stand up for the security and safety of our farmers and their land,” Reynolds added.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), which previously convinced a lower court to declare two laws unconstitutional, expressed disappointment in a decision that supports “secrecy in industrial agriculture.”
According to ALDF attorney Caitlin Foley, “the decision undermines activists' ability to shed light on issues of animal cruelty, food safety, and workers' rights.” It also is “out of step” with other U.S. courts that have ruled against similar “ag-gag” laws.
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