Iowa SLAPP Retaliation Letter

Rita Audlehelm published an op-ed raising concerns about a Decatur County, Iowa official’s repeated failure to attend meetings in person. In response, Decatur County sent Rita a letter threatening to sue her for defamation. County officials considered her factual criticisms to be a violation, which they claimed warranted legal action.

While attending county meetings, Rita has kept the public informed about the Decatur County Board of Supervisors’ activities through editorials published in local newspapers. The goal behind her work is to keep the community informed and engaged in local governance. Yet, Decatur County’s response to her legitimate criticisms threatens her right to free speech.

Iowa’s current legal framework leaves residents vulnerable to frivolous lawsuits that aim to silence them, which is why IJ is advocating for the passage of HB 472. This bill would expedite the dismissal of meritless lawsuits, protecting Iowans’ right to freely express their opinions without fear of retribution from government officials.

That’s why IJ sent a letter to Decatur County officials, warning them that threatening Rita with a defamation lawsuit violates her First Amendment rights. Iowans, like Rita, have the right to speak freely and engage in public discourse without the threat of government retaliation.