A New Jersey resident was escorted out of a city council meeting for waving American flag in protest of a new rule banning such items, including the U.S. Constitution and other “props,” from the public comment section of town meetings.
Last week, the Township of Edison, NJ passed an ordinance that shortens the time residents have to address the council and prohibits them from using “props,” including American flags, in their remarks during public comment. MyCentralJersey.com reported.
Residents immediately opposed the rule, arguing during a five-hour meeting on Nov. 25 that it violated their First Amendment rights and a “disgusting” attempt to silence those who stand up for their community.
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“To treat the American flag and the Constitution as a prop when someone raises it is an insult to what the flag is, what the flag stands for and what this country is,” resident Maryann Hennessey told council members. of the American flag is a prop disgusting.”
Resident Joel Bassoff, an Edison attorney, held a small American flag as he addressed the council in warning that they could face legal action if they impose restrictions on their residents in this way.
“I hold up an American flag to represent constitutional values,” Bassoff said.
In video of the exchangeCouncil leader Nishith Patel can be heard banging his gavel before giving Bassoff an official warning.
Bassoff held a small American flag in his hand as he addressed the council at the podium. (Getty Images)
“It is my constitutional right to do this,” Bassoff said. “If you get sued, you lose. My suggestion to you is that you get a second opinion from competent counsel because you are wrong.”
You can hear residents clapping as Bassoff continued. “You are interfering with the decorum of this meeting by interfering with the right of expression of a member of the public. And that has to stop now,” he said.
As he looked down to continue, police officers appeared behind him.
“His time is wasted,” Patel told the officers.
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“Your time must be extended, your positions must be strengthened,” Bassoff replied. “By your actions you lose any right to preside over this meeting.”
Patel then ordered the officers to have Bassoff “removed.” From the audience you hear a resident shout ‘shame on you’. Bassoff agreed to step off stage, saying, “I’m ready to sit here quietly, and I won’t interfere with your decorum – so I have a right to be here.”
Council members then voted to take a five-minute break while officers escorted Basoff out of the room.
The ordinance O.2239-2024 aims to establish rules to maintain decorum during municipal meetings that have recently descended into chaos and become a subject of ridicule. In October, a man dressed as a bong was removed after taking the stage in full costume. One resident recently described council meetings as “a three-ring circus.”
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The ordinance does not explicitly ban the American flag or the U.S. Constitution, but when questioned about it, Patel told residents, “any props will be considered not conducive to good order and as president I make that call.”
Patel did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
