FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Contact: Will Potter
will@willpotter.com
WASHINGTON – Proposed legislation in the House and Senate includes sweeping language that could classify boycotts, whistleblowing, undercover investigating, and non-violent civil disobedience as “terrorism,†and will have a chilling effect on all activism, a freelance journalist testified before Congress today.
The House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R.4239, the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. The bill criminalizes economic damage and economic disruption to animal industries, and, among other overly broad provisions, defines “economic damage†as including “the loss of profits.â€
“Public fears of terrorism since the tragedy of September 11th should not be exploited to push a political agenda,†said Will Potter, who testified before the committee as a freelance reporter focused on civil liberties and “eco-terrorism.â€
Civil liberties and animal protection groups have raised concerns about the sweeping language of the bill. And anti-abortion groups have already expressed fears that the legislation could become a model for liberals to target anti-abortion activists as terrorists.
“The reckless use of ‘eco-terrorism’ rhetoric by corporations and the government has already had a chilling effect, and this legislation will compound it,†Potter said. “This legislation will add to this climate of fear and distrust, and will force Americans to ask themselves, ‘Is it worth it? Is standing up for my beliefs worth the risk of being labeled a terrorist?’ That’s not a choice anyone should have to make.â€
For more information and full testimony:
www.GreenIsTheNewRed.com
Will Potter is a freelance reporter focused on civil liberties and national security issues. He has written for The Chicago Tribune, The Dallas Morning News¸ Legal Affairs, and other publications. He is the author of the popular civil liberties blog, www.GreenIsTheNewRed.com.