WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - A federal judge is dismissing a lawsuit by animal-rights and food-safety groups who say a North Carolina law violates their free-speech and equal protection rights by helping employers punish people who get hired to steal company secrets or dig up dirt.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Schroeder ruled Tuesday that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Center for Food Safety and other groups don’t have a case because they haven’t faced consequences under the new law.
Opponents say the law was passed to end hidden-camera exposes of animal cruelty at farms or meat-packing plants and could intimidate other employees who report misdeeds, like elder abuse at nursing homes.
North Carolina’s largest business lobby pressed for the legislation, saying more protections were needed against intellectual property theft.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.