The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act is now one gimpy step closer to being law. If you’ve never heard of this bill, then you’re not alone, because it’s not clear how many members of the House of Representatives who passed this legislation today (in a voice vote, along with a bunch of other bills) were familiar with it. But they passed it nonetheless. They probably heard the word “terrorism” and figured it couldn’t be all that bad.

Here’s what Megan Tady of The New Standard had to say about this bill:

New ‘Terrorism’ Laws to Protect Animal Abusers’ Profits

A new law moving through Congress threatens to classify non-violent civil disobedience carried out by animal-rights groups as terrorism.

The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), already passed unanimously by the US Senate, expands on a previous law aimed at activists who protest the treatment of animals. It reclassifies common activist tactics as terrorism based solely on the cause pursued.

Proponents of the legislation, including co-sponsors Senator Dianne Feinstein (D–California) and Senator James Inhofe (R–Oklahoma), say it will offer protection to scientists, medical researchers, ranchers, farmers and other industries using animals against “violent tactics” used by animal-rights “extremists.”

While the bill makes specific provisions to safeguard First Amendment-protected activity, such as peaceful protests and lawful boycotts, animal-rights activists and civil-rights groups say the bill’s vague language could brand activists as terrorists for activities that are unlawful yet non-violent, such as blockades, property destruction, trespassing, and the freeing of captive animals. [full text]

Will Potter of the weblog, Green Is The New Red, was apparently present for the House vote and offered the following analysis:

They did it. Corporations, industry groups and the politicians that represent them rushed through legislation labeling activists as “terroristsâ€? on the first day back from Congressional recess. Just moments ago the House passed the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act as part of the suspension calendar: in other words it was put on a list of non-controversial bills to pass with one swoop by voice vote….

Only Representative Dennis Kucinich spoke up against this dangerous legislation. “This bill was written to have a chilling effect,� he said, “on a specific type of protest.� He also said that, “We have to be very careful of painting everyone with broad brush of terrorism.� And, in an interesting spin on the debate, Kucinich said lawmakers would be better off addressing animal issues and demonstrating their compassion. [full text]

Compassion? They would do well just to demonstrate their interest and attention! The only thing likely to rouse these lame ducks from their self-imposed stupor would be Dick Cheney bursting into the chamber, shotgun a-blazing. They may not know what the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act is, but they sure know ol’ Dick can bag a lawyer.