American Flag and Constitution Banned under ‘Props’ by New Jersey City Council: ‘Shame on You’

EDISON, N.J. (TNND) — The American flag and the U.S. Constitution are among a list of “props” banned by a local council in New Jersey last week, sparking outrage in the community.

The ban came under an Edison Town Council ordinance that sets appropriate decorum for members of the Edison Township community speaking before the town board at public hearings. The use of assistive devices when addressing the council is listed in the ordinance as an “obstruction of orderly conduct.”

Resident Joel Bassoff provided public comment during last Monday’s council meeting, criticizing the fact that the ordinance also limits public comments to four minutes. During this speech he held up a copy of the Constitution.

“The U.S. Constitution gives the public the right to petition the government for redress of grievances,” Bassoff said as he held up a copy of the document. “Each member of the Council took a solemn oath to uphold the Constitution.”

“I hold up this Constitution to emphasize—” Bassoff began.

“This will serve as a support as discussed in the last meeting,” interjected Council Chairman Nishith Patel. “If you use the Constitution as a backing, then we will take this as a warning that if you continue -“

“I’m sorry, I’m not going to override the U.S. Constitution,” Bassoff responded. “This is my time, you interrupt me.”

Patel responded by hitting a hammer.

“If you continue to use the Constitution as a prop, as I warned you, your time will be wasted,” Patel said.

“If you continue to compromise decency, you should be removed,” Bassoff said, drawing applause from the audience.

Patel then asked Bassoff to sit down.

“Shame on you,” Bassoff shouted as police surrounded him.

Bassoff later returned to the stand and held up an American flag. Patel again warned the resident about the “props” rule.

It’s my constitutional right,” Bassoff said. “If you get sued, you’re going to lose. My suggestion to you is that you get a second opinion from the relevant council because you are wrong.”

“Your time should be forfeit,” he told Patel. “Your position should be forfeited. By your actions you have forfeited any right to preside at this meeting.”

Bassoff then claimed he was “about to be surrounded by police officers” and the council requested a recess shortly afterwards. The resident was eventually escorted out of the meeting.

Patel did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The National News Desk (TNND) on Monday.

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