A new Carrie Underwood tweet rages at the “ag gag” bill currently heading to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.
The new bill would mean Tennessee journalists would have 24 hours to turn over to authorities undercover footage of a farm or livestock operation. “Ag gag” laws effectively criminalize whistleblowing on factory farms, and would prevent journalists from exposing animal abuse, unsafe working conditions, and/or environmental problems on industrial farms.
News that Governor Haslam would soon be considering the bill sent Underwood into a tweet rage. The country singer and actress told her 1.5 million Twitter followers :
“Shame on TN lawmakers for passing the Ag Gag bill. If Gov. Bill Haslam signs this, he needs to expect me at his front door. Who’s with me?”
The singer later tweeted a link to an explanation of “ag gag” bills, while those who questioned her choice to make a political tweet were met with a sharp reply:
“I should stick to singing? Wow…sorry, I’m just a tax paying citizen concerned for the safety of my family.” #NoAgGag
Underwood’s sentiments found much support on social media with animal activists, but time is running out for those who love animals.
Around a dozen states have passed or are proposing legislation banning undercover footage or images from farming operations. Supporters of the laws argue they are designed to protect the privacy of farmers and agriculture businesses.
However, in the absence of a single US federal law that protects animals, welfare investigators and journalists have played a major role in bringing public attention to inhumane practices.
What do you think about “ag gag” bills? Do you feel Carrie Underwood’s tweet rage is justifiable?
Shame on TN lawmakers for passing the Ag Gag bill. If Gov. Bill Haslam signs this, he needs to expect me at his front door. Who’s with me?
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) April 18, 2013
I should stick to singing? Wow…sorry, I’m just a tax paying citizen concerned for the safety of my family. #NoAgGag wsmv.com/story/22027811…
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) April 20, 2013
