A New Jersey resident was escorted from a town council meeting for waving an American flag in protest of new rules banning the U.S. Constitution and other “props” from public comment portions of town meetings.
Edison Township, New Jersey, passed an ordinance last week that reduces the amount of time residents have to address the council and prohibits the use of “props” such as American flags during public comment. MyCentralJersey.com Reported.
Residents immediately spoke out against the rule, saying at a five-hour meeting on Nov. 25 that the rule violates their First Amendment rights and discourages people who want to speak up for their community. He called it a “disgusting” attempt to silence him.
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Resident Marian Hennessy told City Council members: “To think of somebody's American flag or the Constitution as a prop is to question what the flag is, what it represents, and what this country is about. It's an insult,” he told members of Congress. The American flag prop is disgusting. ”
Edison attorney Joel Basoff held a small American flag in his hand as he addressed Congress, warning: Restricting residents in this way could result in legal action.
“I fly the American flag to represent our constitutional values,” Basov said.
in exchange videoCongress leader Nishit Patel can be heard banging his gavel before Basov is given an official warning.
Mr. Basov held a small American flag in his hand as he addressed the council from the podium. (Getty Images)
“It's my constitutional right to do this,” Basov 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.”
As Basov continues, the residents can be heard clapping. “You are disrupting the civility of this conference by interfering with the public's right to speech, and it must stop now,” he said.
As he walked forward, a police officer appeared behind him.
“His time has been taken away,” Patel told officers.
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“We need to spend time and strengthen our positions,” Basov answered. “By your actions, you forfeit all rights to preside over this meeting.”
Patel then instructed officers to “eliminate” Basov. Residents can be heard shouting “shame on you” from the audience. Basov agreed to leave the podium, saying, “I'm ready to sit here quietly and I don't want to disturb your decorum. That's why I have the right to be here.'' did.
Council members then voted for a five-minute recess before officers removed Bazoff from the room.
Ordinance O.2239-2024 aims to establish rules for maintaining civility at Town Council meetings, which have recently become chaotic and the subject of ridicule. In October, a man dressed as Bon was removed after appearing on stage in formal attire. One resident described a recent City Council meeting as a “three ring circus.”
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The ordinance does not explicitly ban the Stars and Stripes or the U.S. Constitution, but when asked about the issue, Patel told residents that “any props are not considered to contribute to the maintenance of order. That is why, as president, I am calling for this.”
Patel did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
