Senate OKs bill protecting Idahoans from foreign defamation

Legislation intended to protect authors, journalists and speakers in Idaho from defamation judgments originating in courts in other countries is heading to the governor.

The Senate on Wednesday voted 32-3 to approve the legislation backers say is needed to protect Idaho residents’ freedom of speech, the rule of law and due process.

Republican Sen. Kelly Anthon says similar legislation is advancing in other state legislatures and is meant to protect Americans from foreign court judgments.

Anthon says the legislation would protect Americans from judgments in foreign countries that don’t allow the same freedom of speech rights recognized in the United States.

The bill passed the House 60-4 earlier this month.