USA: Activists Challenge Animal Rights Terrorism Law as a Violation of Free Speech

Center for Constitutional Rights Asks Court to Strike Down Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act

December 15, 2011, Boston – Today, animal rights activists who allege their freedom of speech has been violated by the federal Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) filed a lawsuit asking the court to strike down the statute as unconstitutional.

The plaintiffs, who have long histories of participation in peaceful protests and animal rights advocacy, say that fear of prosecution as terrorists has led them to limit or even cease their lawful advocacy. Enacted in 2006, the AETA punishes anyone found to have caused the loss of property or profits to a business or other institution that uses or sells animals (or animal products) or to “a person or entity having a connection to, relationship with, or transactions with an animal enterprise.”

Source: Activists Challenge Animal Rights Terrorism Law as a Violation of Free Speech
Author: Center for Constitutional Rights i

Link: Animal Abuse Laws: The 10 Worst States (PHOTOS)
Link: Animal Rights Activists Challenge 2006 Federal Law
Link: Are Animal Rights Activists Terrorists?
Link: Lawsuit challenges animal enterprise terror law as unconstitutional
Link: R.I.P. Bill of Rights 1789 - 2011


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USA: The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (en)