Greetings!
The Professional Outdoor Media Association's (POMA) board of directors announced that POMA will sign on and support a First Amendment amicus curiae brief in U.S. v. Stevens, a case scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court this fall.
Robert Stevens, of Virginia, was convicted of felony charges and sentenced to three years in federal prison for selling two documentary films and one hunting film, he crafted, about pit bull dogs. His conviction was overturned by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals as unconstitutional based on the First Amendment.
POMA, which has taken a lead role in alerting and rallying other
concerned organizations, will formally add its name to the
brief after reviewing the final document, to ensure it represents the best interests of POMA's members. The amicus brief is being written by attorneys Beth Heifetz and David Cooper of the Jones Day law firm in Washington, D.C.
"POMA is dedicated to the defense of the First Amendment and the Constitutional rights of journalists, hunters and anglers - all Americans. In addition, the culture of traditional outdoor activities was central to the formation and foundation of POMA," said POMA President Chris Chaffin.
POMA's board of directors also thanked the hundreds of POMA members, media and outdoor industry professionals who contacted the organization regarding the case.
Hundreds Sign On
POMA reached out to dozens of organizations, journalistic and traditional outdoor-sports focused, regarding the case. Many have joined the effort by participating as supporters of the First Amendment brief (and others) related to journalist, hunter and angler rights, including:
- North American Media Group
- Texas Outdoor Writers Association
- National Shooting Sports Foundation
- National Rifle Association
- North American Fishing Club
- North American Hunting Club
- Mississippi Tourism
- Ohio Association of Animal Owners, and
- Many others
In addition, more than 350 individuals representing hundreds of media outlets and communications entities have signed on to the brief.
Case Summary
Robert Stevens of Virginia was convicted of felony charges and sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for selling two documentary films and one hunting film, he crafted, about pit bull dogs.
The conviction was based on a federal law that states it is a felony to sell depictions of the maiming or killing of animals. The conviction was overturned by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which said the federal law against "depictions of animal cruelty" was unconstitutional. The government appealed the case, and it's now headed to the Supreme Court. The case is expected to be heard late this fall.
Many have colored the case as one about animal cruelty, as Stevens' documentary films included historical footage of dog fighting; and the hunting film included a graphic scene of improper "catch dog" tactics, while Stevens explained in the film that the tactic was wrong and should not be used.
The case has the potential to make it a felony to sell or publish images of hunting, fishing, trapping, and virtually anything else that's ruled as a "depiction of animal cruelty".
More Information
To review background on the case, visit: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs051/1101879232762/archive/1102607469197.html
For more information on POMA or how to support the First Amendment amicus brief, contact:
Laurie Lee Dovey, POMA Executive Director, lldovey@professionaloutdoormedia.org,
814-539-6030
www.professionaloutdoormedia.org
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