Here’s some interesting news from Wisconsin, the land of Joseph McCarthy and two of his torch-bearers, Representatives James Sensenbrenner and Tom Petri. Animal rights activists won what they called a rare victory this week, when a judge sided in their favor in a contract dispute about building a museum condemning animal experimentation between two University of Wisconsin primate research labs. The case was about a contract between an activist and the current owner of the building, but it clearly had First Amendment elements as well. Animal researchers and university officials have argued that activists shouldn’t be allowed to buy the building because it will intimidate vivisectors (scare-mongering, anyone?).

Ryan J. Foley reported in The Chicago Tribune today:

But Joe Kemnitz, director of the primate center, said the proposed museum would be a magnet for out-of-town extremists who would threaten researchers.

“Continual presence right outside our door would have a factor of intimidation, and I think it would be bad for morale and feelings of safety of our staff,” he said.

That kind of “eco-terrorist” rhetoric fits like a glove with the recently passed Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (purely a coincidence, I’m sure). That bill makes it a “terrorism” crime if activists instill a “reasonable fear” of bodily injury through a series of actions that include “intimidation.”

Doug Erickson at the Wisconsin State Journal raised some of those concerns in his reporting on the bill Monday. In particular, take a look at this:

Backers of the bill say opponents are trying to alarm people with wacky what-ifs.

The legislation, which had strong bipartisan support, protects lawful boycotts and peaceful demonstrations, said Frankie Trull, president of the National Association for Biomedical Research. The law would kick in only when there is an orchestrated effort across state lines to intimidate or harass someone to the extent that they fear for their safety, she said.

“This is not intended to say that all animal rights activists are terrorists,” Trull said. “That’s just silly.”

Silly, indeed. Industry groups don’t care about labeling all animal rights activists as “terrorists.” Just the ones that are too effective.