nyone caught filming or recording an agricultural operation in Idaho could now face up to year in prison and a $5,000 fine. The new punishments are courtesy of the “ag-gag,” bill Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter signed into law Friday with overwhelming support from the House and Senate.
According to the law, anyone who releases video of an agricultural operation to the police or a media organization to expose illegal activity would face these penalties.
This legislation is not only a severe violation of the First Amendment, but also serves as a prime example of the ideological dysfunction and misplaced priorities of the Idaho Legislature.
This law will prevent activist groups and journalists from gathering evidence of wrongdoing and exposing animal abuse.
The Idaho Legislature and Governor’s Office are outspoken defenders of business rights, and it should be taken into consideration given that a large amount of Idaho’s economy is agriculture based. However, to approve legislation that would remove the power of the public to obtain evidence of illegal activities on these operations, is irresponsible and unconstitutional.
The agricultural industry now has the power to punish anyone who wishes to gather evidence of its wrongdoing.
In a state that cherishes individual rights, Idaho lawmakers are trampling on those rights with this law. They have made a clear choice to expand the rights of businesses while removing the public’s right to know.
Idaho’s dairy industry, which strongly promoted the bill, feel they are the victims of malicious attacks from unfair animal activist groups. Though, instead of supporting restrictive legislation that infringes on constitutional rights, the industry should push for more transparency and release information to the public.
Rep. Ken Andrus, R- Hot Lava Springs, has argued along with many others, that this legislation expands privacy for citizens — which is a continuous talking point for many representatives. Still, this legislation is not a matter of individual privacy, but ensuring protection for Idaho’s large agriculture industry.
There is a high probability that this ludicrous piece of legislation will be tossed out in the court when it is challenged. Yet, it is a sad time when courts must be relied on to strike down blatant infractions of a beloved constitutional amendment.
–RT