United States: Libel Lawsuit Aims to Muzzle Iowa Journalists Reporting on Book Bans

Laura Belin, editor of Bleeding Heartland, and contributor Marie Gleason sued for book-banning coverage

Location: United States

Date: March 22, 2024

Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the libel lawsuit filed against Laura Belin, editor of Bleeding Heartland, and contributor Marie Gleason. This legal action represents a glaring contradiction in the values professed by its proponents, notably those who simultaneously champion free speech while aggressively pursuing book bans and silencing journalists through litigation. The attempt to use the courts to intimidate and burden journalists for simply doing their jobs — reporting on the actions and statements made in public forums — is anathema to the principles of a democratic society. Such lawsuits serve to silence the specific journalists involved and send a chilling message to others who might report on similar issues. We call upon all who value free speech genuinely and without qualification to stand against the use of litigation as a tool of intimidation and silencing. We urge lawmakers to consider the implementation of strong anti-SLAPP legislation that can protect journalists and others engaged in the vital work of upholding transparency and accountability. 

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Laura Belin, editor of the progressive news site Bleeding Heartland, is facing a libel lawsuit filed by Peter Olsen, a Bettendorf resident who advocated for banning the book "All Boys Aren’t Blue" from a school library. The suit, also naming Bleeding Heartland contributor Marie Gleason, centers on a 2022 report covering a school district meeting in Scott County about the book.

Olsen, represented by conservative lawyer Alan Ostergren, alleges the Bleeding Heartland report falsely quoted him as making a threatening comment towards the committee, which he denies. The disputed article, authored by Gleason, claimed Olsen said, "I know who you are, and I know where you live." 

According to Gleason, just as the deliberations were set to commence, the chair revealed that some perceived Olsen's comments as threatening. Given the opportunity to elucidate on his statement, Olsen chose instead to emphasize his military background in a manner that also seemed intimidating, Gleason writes. His refusal to stop speaking, maintaining control in a manner that felt menacing, lasted until the audience's patience wore thin. Due to this disturbance, the chair opted to shift from open to closed session deliberations, the article reads.

Olsen's lawsuit does not directly cite his remarks from the meeting. However, the Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus secured an audio recording of the April 29 Pleasant Valley school meeting. In the audio, Olsen can be heard stating that the board will be held responsible for its decisions regarding the content of the district's library. Olsen further stated: "I'm going to make sure your names are remembered in relation to this vote because I, along with many others, will not let this go,” he declared. 

Book Banning 

The committee meeting in question, held in April 2022, was part of a broader national debate on banning books. Olsen, in his public comments, advocated for the removal of "All Boys Aren’t Blue," citing it as indicative of "sexual decay." According to PEN America, All Boys Aren’t Blue was the second most banned book of the 2021-22 school year, just behind Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer. Johnson has joined as an author plaintiff in the federal lawsuit, PEN America et al v. Escambia County School District, which accuses the district of infringing on constitutional rights to free speech and equal protection under the law. Parents from the district and the publishing company Penguin Random House are also co-plaintiffs in the case.

Local News 

On April 2, 2024, the state of Iowa agreed to a settlement with Laura Belin, who had filed a lawsuit against Iowa House Chief Clerk Meghan Nelson after being consistently denied press credentials, hindering her ability to cover legislative proceedings on par with her peers. Despite fulfilling the accreditation criteria, Belin faced shifting justifications for the denial of access, ranging from not being recognized as media to being labeled as "nontraditional" media, without any clear explanations. The settlement included the payment of legal fees and changes to the state House's credentialing policies.

Stifling of Free Speech

Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the libel lawsuit filed against Laura Belin, the editor of Bleeding Heartland, and contributor Marie Gleason. This legal action, prompted by their reporting on a public meeting regarding the controversial issue of book banning, is indicative of a broader trend of silencing critical reporting under the guise of defending reputation. Women Press Freedom calls for the immediate cessation of these hypocritical practices and stands in solidarity with Belin, Gleason, and all journalists facing similar challenges. We urge legislators at both the state and federal levels to draft and pass comprehensive anti-SLAPP legislation. Such laws should provide swift mechanisms for the dismissal of lawsuits that are primarily aimed at silencing or intimidating individuals exercising their rights to free speech and press. We urge the court hearing this case to dismiss. It is time to reject the weaponization of legal systems against journalists and to acknowledge that true freedom of speech necessitates the protection of press freedom, especially for those who challenge the status quo or bring to light uncomfortable truths. 

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