A federal judge struck down Iowa’s Agricultural Protection Act. The “Ag-Gag Law” made it illegal for journalists and activist groups to take part in undercover investigations of farmers, slaughter houses and other ag facilities. Iowa Pork Producers Association Public Policy Director Drew Mogler says the judge ruled the law violates the first amendment and the constitutional right to free speech. He says they’re disappointed with the decision.
He says Iowa Pork is reviewing the judge’s ruling. However, an appeal will have to come from Governor Kim Reynolds or the Iowa Attorney General.
Mogler says anti-agriculture activists have done very few undercover investigations lately. However, he doesn’t think the Ag Protection Act deterred them from trying to harm livestock operations.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa calls the judge’s ruling an important victory for free speech.
