Ag-Gag’ Law Argued Unconstitutional

Jul 24, 2013

Lawsuit Challenges Utah’s Year-Old Agricultural Operation Interference Law

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Utah is shaping up to be a battle ground between animal activist groups and agriculture advocates. A lawsuit filed Monday will be the first significant legal challenge to an ‘ag-gag’ law.

The term ‘ag-gag’ coined by animal activist groups refer to state laws which put restrictions on recording undercover videos on farms. These laws vary from state to state - Utah’s legislation is called Agricultural Operation Interference law.

Several animal activist groups, journalist and a woman who were charged under the year-old law are suing the state, alleging the law is unconstitutional. In the 41-filing the case is made that the law criminalises undercover investigations, hindering free speech. Advocates of the legislation say the law is intended to protect private property rights.

This landmark lawsuit is will be closely watched by activist groups and the agriculture industry. Depending on the outcome, it may impact similar protection laws in other U.S. states.

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