New Jersey council bans constitution and US flag during public comments

County Council of Edison Township, New Jersey Prohibited Residents will be prohibited from using “props” such as the Constitution or the American flag when giving speeches.

The city-township of Edison said the ban is intended to ensure that props do not “disturb orderly conduct.”

“It's my constitutional right to do this. If I get sued, I'll lose.”

Enraged by the ban, residents showed up to the city council meeting on Nov. 25 to voice their opposition to the law, which lasted five hours. Many argued that the ban was a violation of free speech and constitutional rights.

“To think of someone else's American flag or the Constitution as a prop is an insult to what the flag is, what it stands for, and what this country is about.” said Lives in Marian Hennessy. “Using the American flag as a prop is disgusting to you.”

City Council President Nishit Patel slammed his gavel while waving an American flag and warning another resident who dared not comply with the order.

“It's my constitutional right to do this,” attorney Joel Basoff said. “If you get sued, you lose. My suggestion to you is that you're wrong and get a second opinion from a competent lawyer.”

Patel instructed police officers to fire Basov, even though many in the audience applauded Basov's lawyer.

“You are disrupting the civility of this conference by interfering with the public's right to speech, and it must stop now,” he said.

Council members voted for a five-minute recess to allow officers to remove Basov.

Fox News Digital said Patel did not respond to requests for comment on this story.

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