January 10, 2019
A federal judge has ruled against an Iowa law, labeled as “Ag-Gag” by activists, that protected producers from activist groups. Iowa’s law was different from other state laws that intend to protect agriculture production facilities, as it primarily targeted obtaining employment at a facility using false credentials and intent. The Iowa law, Agricultural production facility fraud, made it a serious misdemeanor to lie to obtain access, including employment, with the intent of committing an act not authorized by the facility (e.g., taking video or pictures). The Judge found making false statements, in the context of this law, to be protected free speech. Read more about the ruling in “Court Strikes Down Iowa's 'Ag-Gag' Law That Blocked Undercover Investigations,” from NPR.
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