In a summary judgment order, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose declared the second version of the Iowa ‘Ag Gag Law’ unconstitutional. 

The Animal Legal Defense Fund, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, The Center for Food Safety challenged the law and other animal rights organizations opposed to intensive livestock production.  It was argued that the law "discriminated, based on the viewpoint that it singles out a specific industry for favoritism and seeks to silent critics of that industry".  Judge Rose rejected the state argument that the purpose of the law was to protect property rights and to maintain necessary levels of biosecurity.

Is now the task of the Iowa Legislature to consider arguments submitted by the plaintiffs and to reframe the law to withstand rigorous challenge on constitutional argument.