Under the new law, Iowa's House and Senate have indicated that they will not tolerate exposure of abuses or other offenses in its agricultural industries including animal and crop facilities. The industry has been vulnerable to several undercover and investigative stories primarily related to the treatment and protection of animals by agricultural workers. These investigations have led to several lawsuits, criminal charges, and other sanctions against agricultural entities from around the United States. The Iowa law is intended to have a chilling effect on the investigations. Similar so-called 'ag gag' laws have been defeated in Florida and Minnesota primarily on first amendment grounds. It is not clear how soon Iowa's law, once signed, will be tested on constitutional grounds. The law is greatly flawed, and is sure to meet extensive opposition not only from the animal rights community, but also from food safety, environmental, and civil rights advocates. While the law precludes the entry to agricultural facilities under false pretenses, it does not prevent currently employed people from becoming whistle-blowers or from documenting crimes and sharing them with the public.
Link: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/03/iowa-approves-nations-first-ag-gag-law/
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