Some Eastern Idaho legislators are upset by a recent federal ruling that a 2014 state law — called the “ag-gag law” by critics and the “ag security law” by supporters — violates constitutional protections for free speech and equal protection under the law. The law, making it illegal to secretly film animal abuse at agricultural facilities, was passed after after Mercy for Animals, a Los Angeles-based animal-rights group, released a video showing workers at Bettencourt Dairies in Hansen stomping, beating, dragging and abusing the cows. On Monday, District Judge B. Lynn Winmill ruled that the 2014 law is unconstitutional because it attempts to silence critics of agricultural industries and violates the First Amendment. On Wednesday, Rep. Tom Loertscher, R-Bone, seemed to think that the ruling somehow leaves farmers with few protections/Bryan Clark, Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Are you surprised that some legislators are surprised at this ruling?