New law protects Idahoans from foreign defamation judgments

Legislation to protect authors, journalists and speakers in Idaho from defamation judgments originating in courts in other countries has been signed into law by Gov. Brad Little.

Little on Wednesday signed 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 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 and the Senate 32-3.