New Jersey lawyer ejected from City Council meeting for waving American flag in protest of new ban

A New Jersey lawyer was kicked out of a City Council meeting last week by police officers for waving an American flag to protest a “stupid” new rule that bans the use of so-called “props” during meetings.

Joel Bassoff, a local resident and attorney, was ordered to be ejected from the Edison Township Council meeting after he pulled out the Star-Spangled Banner while addressing council members on Nov. 25, footage obtained by New Brunswick Today shows.

Bassoff was among many angry locals who voiced their objections to the township’s new ordinance that prohibits them from using any props in the public comment section of township meetings – including the flag and even the U.S. Constitution.

“I hold up an American flag to represent constitutional values,” Bassoff said during the meeting as Council President Nishith Patel banged the gavel to convey an official warning.

“It is my constitutional right to do this,” the lawyer continued. “If you get sued, you’re going to lose. My suggestion to you is that you get a second opinion from a competent lawyer because you are wrong.”

“You are compromising the decorum of this meeting by impairing a member of the public’s right to free speech. And it should stop now,” Bassoff raged as other residents cheered him on in support.

Seconds later, two police officers approached Bassoff as the council leader demanded his removal from the chambers.

A resident was heard shouting “Shame on you!” as Bassoff agreed to step away from the podium.

After the lawyer tried to take his seat again, the council president ordered the police to throw him out entirely.

Earlier in the meeting, another resident was also removed from the proceedings for violating the U.S. Constitution.

“To treat the American flag and the Constitution as a prop when someone flies it is an insult to what the flag is, what it stands for and what this country is,” another resident, Maryann Hennessey, told council members.

“For you to consider using the American flag as a prop is disgusting.”

The apparent prop ban, Ordinance 2239, was recently enacted to establish rules to maintain decorum at the community’s often raucous gatherings.

Although the rule does not specifically prohibit the American flag or the Constitution, the council chairman argued to residents during the meeting that such items would be considered “not conducive to good order.”

In addition to banning any aids, the ordinance now also limits the time residents have to approach the body.