New Jersey lawyer banned from City Council meeting for waving American flag in protest of “disgusting” new ban

A New Jersey resident was escorted out of a city council meeting for waving an American flag in protest of a new rule that bans such items, including the U.S. Constitution and other “props,” from the public comment portion of city meetings.

Last week, the town of Edison, New Jersey, passed an ordinance that shortens the time residents have to address the council and prohibits them from using “props,” including American flags, during public comments MyCentralJersey.com reported.

Residents immediately pushed back against the rule, arguing during a five-hour meeting on Nov. 25 that it was a violation of their First Amendment rights and a “disgusting” attempt to silence those who want to advocate for their community.

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“To view the American flag and the Constitution as props when someone flies them is an insult to what the flag is, what it stands for and what this country is,” resident Maryann Hennessey told council members. “You should think about using it.” “An American flag prop is disgusting.”

Resident Joel Bassoff, an Edison attorney, held a small American flag as he addressed the council in warning that legal action could be taken against them because of such a residence restriction.

“I hold up an American flag to represent constitutional values,” Bassoff said.

In video of the exchange, Council President Nishith Patel can be heard banging the gavel before issuing an official warning to Bassoff.

Bassoff held a small American flag 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 will lose. My suggestion to you is that you get a second opinion from a competent lawyer because you are wrong.”

As Bassoff continued, residents could be heard clapping. “You are compromising the decorum of this gathering by impairing the right to speak of a member of the public. And that should end now,” he said.

As he looked down to move on, police officers appeared behind him.

“His time is up,” Patel told officers.

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“Your time should be sacrificed, your positions should be strengthened,” Bassoff replied. “Your actions mean you lose all right to preside over this meeting.”

Patel then instructed officers to have Bassoff “removed.” A local resident in the audience can be heard shouting “Shame on you!” Bassoff agreed to step down from the podium, stating, “I’m willing to sit here quietly, and I won’t disturb your decorum – so I have the right to be here.”

Council members then voted for a five-minute recess while officers escorted Basoff from the room.

Order O.2239-2024 aims to establish rules for maintaining decorum at municipal council meetings, which have recently descended into chaos and become the subject of ridicule. In October, a man dressed as Bong was removed after taking the podium in full costume. One resident described recent council meetings as “a three-ring circus.”

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While the ordinance does not specifically ban the American flag or the U.S. Constitution, when asked about the issue, Patel told residents, “All props are considered not conducive to good order, and as president, I represent that decision.” “

Patel did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.