Kansas has become the fourth state to deem “ag-gag” laws unconstitutional, following in the steps of Utah, Idaho and Iowa.
U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil declared the law unconstitutional Jan. 22, saying Kansas cannot bar the public from taking photos or videos of animal agriculture, even if the intent is to “damage an enterprise.”
Vratil declared doing so would be criminalizing free speech.
The law had made it a crime for parties to enter agricultural facilities under pretenses, or take photos or videos without owner permission.
Animal Legal Defense Fund was the primary plaintiff in the case, along with Center for Food Safety, Shy 38, Inc., and Hope Sanctuary.
In a press release, Animal Legal Defense Fund commended the court decision, saying, “The public relies on undercover investigations to expose illegal and cruel practices on factory farms and slaughterhouses.”
