The New Jersey City Council says the ban on “props” can include “performative” use of the U.S. flag and the Constitution

EDISON, N.J. – A New Jersey city councilman’s decision to ban people from using “props” – which officials say can include the US flag and the Constitution – when addressing the city council has sparked protests and a warning Organization that promotes freedom of expression.

The Edison Town Council passed an ordinance last week aimed at improving decorum at sometimes noisy public gatherings. The rules also prohibit wearing costumes or non-medical masks, using offensive or insulting language and disruptive behavior. They also limit comments from individuals to four minutes and eliminate counter-comments.

“To view 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,” resident Maryann Hennessey said at the meeting where the new ones were announced rules were adopted. MyCentralJersey reported.

Council President Nishith Patel said the rules were “not about restricting freedom of expression, but about maintaining order and ensuring respectful, purposeful debate.” He said members had seen “theatrics and grandiosity” address the important issues that the residents are confronted with can dwarf the problems they face.

Patel said the American flag and the Constitution could be viewed as props “when used performatively.” But he said their true strength “lies in our commitment to the values ​​they represent – freedom, equality and justice – and “not in their style.” presented in a speech.”

A resident accused members of trying to stop people from making fun of them and warned the council would lose any legal action over the matter. After waving an American flag and receiving multiple warnings, he was ordered removed, according to a video of the meeting.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression posted a clip of that exchange on social media Tuesday, calling it “unacceptable” and warning the council that “you will hear about FIRE.”

Several council members also expressed concerns about the rules. Two of them voted against the ordinance, one of them waved a flag himself.