In recent years, undercover videos on factory farms have exposed the often grotesque and inhumane conditions farm factory animals are raised in, sparking outrage from consumers. Instead of working on improving conditions, Indiana Republican lawmakers have
another idea:
A measure that would make it illegal to make undercover videos of a farm or business passed an Indiana Senate committee Tuesday.
In the bill's current form, whistle-blowers - including journalists documenting stories or members of the public who post videos on YouTube purporting to show mistreated animals or inhumane working conditions - would face legal sanctions. Those range from an infraction for a first offense, the smallest legal penalty available, to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable with up to a $5,000 fine, for a second offense.
Out of sight, out if mind, eh? Fortunately, some hoosiers are fighting back:
Leslie Holding told the senators she took time off from her business and small children because she felt so strongly opposed to the bill.
"I'm not a vigilante," she said, but a consumer who wants to know where the food she and her children eat comes from.
Keep up the good fight, Leslie Holding. We all deserve to know where our food comes from.