Ad targeting local politicians triggers lawsuit

This transcript is automatically generated

Started as an ad for a tax protest in the state of Rhode Island activists who published the names and photos.

Of local politicians now the Saturday free speech battle.

-- -- Kennedy here I Kennedy bathers here with the latest in our series.

Taking liberties Douglas let's put that on good morning that nick Kennedy well that I have my my Scottish and -- -- -- -- you know imagine if you had to get a -- permission before you ran a political attack that.

That's what one city councilman says is the law.

Rhode Island.

You.

Rob Cody does not like taxes and you particularly don't like the recent car tax here in Warwick, Rhode Island.

That's correct we're objecting to car -- -- based on fictitious values -- was so Mattie took out this data in the local newspaper.

It listed the council members who voted for the tax.

Including their names and pictures now the head of the City Council Bruins play said -- -- wasn't illegal.

Because he did not give his permission to use his like next well the concept that it's illegal is ridiculous that.

Nonetheless a Rhode Island statute from the 1970s.

Does bar the use of a person's name or picture.

In any advertising.

Without that person's consent Cody is now part of a lawsuit challenging the statute.

Calling it clearly unconstitutional.

He's also calling the City Council chief -- -- For refusing to be associated with the tax law he championed cruise plays refused to return repeated calls from fox for comment.

But this municipal attorney says that councilman is absolutely right in reading the law the way it's written.

Simply says that any individual can not use another individual's name.

-- -- Without their permission some legal experts say the way this law is written political attack ads like yours are currently illegal in the state of -- Well that's why that law is being challenged.

Cut he says he expects the courts will allow him to continue his campaign.

Without having to ask permission from anyone.

That's it from here go back ER DO thank you Douglas zero says Douglas Kennedy in our newsroom are -- we are getting.

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Ad targeting local politicians triggers lawsuit

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