New Jersey’s ban on American flags at town meetings sparks protests

A New Jersey councilman listing the American flag and the Constitution as “props” banned in public gatherings has sparked outcry and protests.

The Edison Town Council passed an ordinance aimed at establishing “firm rules of decorum for conduct” at town council meetings after recent meetings turned heated and disruptive.

In addition to banning the “use of props during an address to the City Council,” the Edison Town Council limited public speeches to four minutes and banned the wearing of costumes or non-medically necessary masks during public speeches. In October, a man arrived at a meeting dressed as a bong while others covered their faces with Anonymous and Mexican wrestler masks to protest Council President Nishith Patel’s ban on unnecessary face coverings during public speeches, the Edison Reporter reported.

During a Nov. 25 meeting, several residents spoke out against banning the American flag because the council sees it as a prop. Attorney Joel Bassoff held up an American flag despite the prop ban. Bassoff received a warning for violating the council ordinance and was threatened with removal, prompting a man at the meeting to shout “Shame on you.”

A clip of the incident went viral on social media. In a post on December 11th at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you there.”

Newsweek has reached out to the Edison Town Council for comment via email.

During last Monday’s council meeting, Bassoff said at the podium: “I am holding up an American flag to represent the constitutional values ​​that we should apply at this point.”

Patel then banged the gavel and warned Bassoff that he would lose his time if he continued to violate the prop ban by waving the American flag.

“It is my constitutional right to do this and if you get sued, you will lose,” Bassoff responded. “My suggestion to you is that you get a second opinion from a competent attorney because you are wrong.”

Two police officers approached Bassoff and Patel said he had wasted his time to speak.

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

Patel urged officers to remove Bassoff while a man said off-camera: “Shame on you.”

After Bassoff refused to leave, sat down and said he had finished his speech, the council decided to take a short break. He was later filmed leaving the meeting room, followed by the two officers.

Other residents also spoke out against the ordinance, saying the American flag and constitutional items should be banned at gatherings.

“To view the American flag and the Constitution as props when someone flies them is an insult to what the flag is, what the flag stands for and what this country is,” Maryann Hennessey said, according to My Central Jersey. “For you to consider using the American flag as a prop is disgusting.”

Sue Malone-Barber criticized the council’s attempts to control public meetings, including limiting time at the podium and banning people from wearing costumes.

She said recent council meetings had become a “three-ring circus” but the attempt to control the public at them was “ridiculous, rude and childish”.

“The residents will not forget how they felt and how things were handled,” Malone-Barber said. “Flags – really a prop? Are you going to throw me out?”

“It is childish to wage this war. You lose. It just makes people more agitated and determined to provoke her expulsion,” she added. “Let it be. It’s a waste of taxpayers’ time.”

Other activities listed in Ordinance 2239-2024 as potentially disruptive and prohibited at council meetings include using loud, threatening or offensive language and speaking without recognition from the chair.