A resident of Edison, New Jersey, was removed from a town council meeting for waving an American flag in protest of a new rule that bans items like the flag, the U.S. Constitution, and other “props” during the public comment portion of meetings.
Last week, Edison’s town council passed an ordinance that reduces the time residents can speak and bans the use of props like flags during public comments. Many residents immediately opposed the rule, arguing it violated their First Amendment rights and was an attempt to silence those who wanted to speak up for their community.
Resident Maryann Hennessey spoke out, saying it was disrespectful to call the American flag and the Constitution a “prop.” She expressed anger, saying it was insulting to what the flag stands for.
Joel Bassoff, a lawyer from Edison, held a small American flag as he addressed the council, warning that the rule could lead to legal action. He argued that restricting residents’ rights was unconstitutional and that the council could lose if they were sued.
As he spoke, the council president, Nishith Patel, warned him, but Bassoff continued to challenge the council. The audience applauded him. Police officers soon appeared and Bassoff was escorted out of the meeting after Patel ordered his removal.
The new ordinance, which aims to keep order in meetings that had become chaotic, doesn’t directly ban the flag or the Constitution. However, Patel said that anything considered a “prop” would not be allowed, and he, as president, had the authority to enforce that.
The council members then took a short break after Bassoff was removed.