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Iowa’s ‘Ag-Gag’ Laws Upheld by Federal Appeals Court, Free Speech Battle Continues

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DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal appeals court has ruled that Iowa’s “ag-gag” laws, which criminalize undercover investigations at agricultural facilities, do not infringe upon free speech rights. The decision by the court upholds a lower court’s ruling and has sparked debate among animal rights activists and agricultural industry representatives. The laws, enacted in 2012 and 2019, aimed at preventing undercover activists from filming or documenting activities at animal production facilities without permission. The legislation was largely driven by concerns over animal welfare and potential economic harm to the agricultural industry. Critics argue that these … Read more

California’s Gun Carrying Law Blocked Again by 9th Circuit Court of Appeals: Public Spaces Still Free for Firearm Holders

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SACRAMENTO, California – A California law that would have prohibited residents from carrying firearms in most public spaces has been temporarily blocked by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The court ruled against the decision made last week to allow the law to go into effect in 2024. The law, known as SB2 and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, aimed to ban Californians from carrying guns in 26 types of public places including parks, sports stadiums, hospitals, and houses of worship. It also introduced new guidelines for obtaining a concealed carry weapons permit, … Read more

Social Media Giants Fight Back to Protect Children’s Free Speech in Ohio Lawsuit

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A trade group representing major social media sites has filed a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of Ohio to block a new state law requiring verifiable parental consent for children under the age of 16. The law, known as the Parental Notification by Social Media Operators Act, is set to take effect on January 15. Trade group NetChoice, which includes Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms as clients, argues that the law is unconstitutional. This is not the first time NetChoice has taken legal action against states that attempt to regulate … Read more