”Ag-gag” laws make it illegal to record farm and slaughterhouse activities without permission
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
If Washington Republican Joe Schmick gets his way, House Bill 1104 will become a law, an “ag-gag” law, making it illegal to record what goes on at slaughterhouses and farms without the owner’s permission.
Schmick, a Colfax, Washington Republican told the Capital Press he sees this bill “as a way to protect the farmer.”
If the bill, which also received support from Yelm Republican J.T. Wilcox, does become law, people caught recording would be guilty of a gross misdemeanour, could face a year of prison time, and could also be assessed a $5,000 fine.
In 2014, Idaho passed an ag-gag law of their own after the state’s dairy producers spoke out, saying a video filmed by Mercy For Animals of cows being abused at an Idaho dairy farm damaged their business.
Animal rights groups, as well as the American Civil Liberties of Idaho (ACLU) are taking action and suing to have the law overturned.
Should the ag-gag law come into effect, Washington would join states like Tennessee, Indiana, Utah, and Minnesota as states that have laws and penalties against unpermitted videotaping and recording.
ACLU of Washington spokesman Doug Honig said the bill impedes on freedom of the press and free speech.