Thursday, December 15, 2011
Animal rights activists sue to challenge 2006 law
BOSTON (AP) — A group of animal rights activists has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a law they say treats them like terrorists if they demonstrate against businesses that use or sell animal products.
Five activists represented by the Center for Constitutional Rights filed the federal lawsuit in Boston today, asking that the Animal Enterprise Terrorist Act be declared unconstitutional.
Staff attorney Rachel Meeropol says the 2006 law has had a chilling effect on the animal rights community, with activists afraid to participate in public protests out of fear they will be prosecuted. Meeropol says the law punishes people who criticize or demonstrate against any so-called “animal enterprise” if they damage property or the profitability of the business.
The activists say the law unconstitutionally restricts their right to speak about animal rights issues.