Act Now to Protect the Rights of Animal Activists

The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) was enacted by Congress with little debate or awareness at the behest of the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries and signed by President Bush in late 2006.

Despite its name, the Act is framed so broadly that it classifies almost any form of social activism- including picketing, street theater, and civil disobedience- as an act of "terrorism". It is very likely in violation of the First Amendment.

The range of penalties begins with a large fine and 1-5 years in federal prison for nonviolent protest. One activist has served a year for sending a fax inquiring about a demonstration. Four California activists are currently charged under AETA for engaging in peaceful protests and they now each face up to a decade in prison.

Ironically, the Act actually compromises our protection from the real terrorist threat by draining federal law enforcement resources on prosecuting social activism. It also jeopardizes investigations of corporate violations of environmental and public safety regulations.

The leaders in the Judiciary Committees, charged with protecting our civil liberties and the rule of law, must take the initiative in repealing this disastrous legislation.

For more information on AETA, visit:
http://www.greenisthenewred.com/blog/aeta-analysis-109th/

To become involved in repealing AETA, see:
http://www.equaljusticealliance.org

For more information about Farm Animal Rights Movement, visit:
http://www.farmusa.org

Please Note: This petitions targets key members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee, Constitution Subcommittee, House Judiciary Committee, Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee, and the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties Subcommittee.