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Idaho dairy farmers produce more milk and cheese than almost any state in the nation. Idaho is ranked third behind California and Wisconsin.

ACLU, PETA Sue Idaho Over New Law To Punish Animal Rights Activists

Anna King
/
Northwest News Network

The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho, PETA and other groups are suing the state over a new measure that would prosecute people who secretly film agricultural operations. Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed the so-called 'ag-gag' bill into law at the end of February.

The measure was pushed by Idaho’s dairy industry after Los Angeles-based Mercy For Animals released graphic videos that showed cows being abused at Bettencourt Dairy in 2012. The new law specifies prison time and stiff fines for people who secretly video farm operations.

The groups suing say the law violates first amendment free speech protections. The announcement for the suit quotes University of California Irvine law dean Erwin Chemerinsky saying the law is deeply distressing.

“It is aimed entirely at protecting an industry, especially in its worst practices that endanger people, at the expense of freedom of speech," says Chemerinksy. "It even would criminalize a whistle-blower who took a picture or video of wrongdoing in the workplace. I am confident that this law will be struck down under Ninth Circuit and Supreme Court precedents.”

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