ACLU challenges Youngstown anti-begging law

YOUNGSTOWN — The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter today to city council, the mayor, law director and police chief demanding the legislative body “immediately repeal” a city law making it a crime to “beg for money or other things of value.”

Council approved the ordinance in 2009.

The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently held that request for money are considered free speech under the First Amendment, said Joe Mead, an attorney for the ACLU of Ohio. The law is also so broad that it applies to any form of charitable request within Youngstown’s city limits, he said.

“The scope of what’s illegal under this law is astounding,” Mead said.

City Law Director Martin Hume said his department will take a "serious" look into the ACLU's objection to the anti-begging law "and take actions we think are appropriate."

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com