Judge: Ohio lobbying law violates ex-legislator’s rights

CINCINNATI (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that an Ohio law limiting lobbyists’ activities violates a former legislator’s constitutional rights, paving the way for him to work unpaid for an anti-tax group he created.

Former state Rep. Tom Brinkman Jr. of Cincinnati challenged the state law prohibiting him from taking the lobbying job. He contends the law violates his First Amendment rights, including the right to free speech.

U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott ruled Tuesday the law infringes on Brinkman’s right to speak out and lobby for causes or organizations. She blocked enforcement of the law as applied to Brinkman.

The state says it’s studying the ruling before deciding whether to appeal.

Brinkman, a Republican, says the decision restores his First Amendment rights.