In a disturbing new development, the Utah House has overwhelmingly approved HB187, the “Agricultural Operation Interference” Law sponsored by Rep. John Mathis, R-Vernal.

The bill targets anyone who photographs or films factory farm abuses. It would make it a class A misdemeanor to hide a recording device on a farm and class B misdemeanor shoot video or photos after being asked not to or record while trespassing.

“This is not about animals. This is a group of people who want to put us out of business. Make no mistake about it,” said Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, a rancher and farmer. He calls animal rights activists who film factory farm abuses as “animal rights terrorists”

If the bill is approved in the Senate, Utah would be the first state in the nation to pass such a law.

Take Action Now by signing this petition asking Utah’s representatives not to allow this bill to pass in any form.

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