Council Meeting Tension: Flag Protest Sparks Decorum Ordinance Debate

American flag with a crack in the middle.

A New Jersey lawyer was ejected from a town council meeting for waving the American flag in protest of a controversial new ordinance.

At a Glance

Edison Township Council passed an ordinance banning “props” during meetings, including the American flag and Constitution
Local attorney Joel Bassoff was removed for waving the flag in protest
Residents criticize the ordinance as an infringement on free speech and patriotism
Council President Nishith Patel defends the rule as necessary for maintaining order
The incident has sparked debate over balancing meeting decorum with constitutional rights

Controversial Ordinance Sparks Patriotic Protest

The Edison Township Council in New Jersey has found itself at the center of a heated controversy after passing an ordinance that prohibits the use of “props” during council meetings. This ban extends to items such as the American flag and the U.S. Constitution, igniting a fierce debate about free speech and patriotism in local government proceedings.

The ordinance, which aims to maintain order and prevent disruptive behavior, has been met with strong opposition from residents who view it as an attempt to suppress public expression. The new rules limit individual speaking time to four minutes, eliminate rebuttal comments, and establish strict guidelines for decorum during meetings.

NJ lawyer thrown out of town council meeting for waving American flag to protest new ban https://t.co/TfXkbTalob pic.twitter.com/7RpGcR9VqE

— New York Post (@nypost) December 3, 2024

Lawyer Ejected for Flag Display

The tension came to a head when local attorney Joel Bassoff was forcibly removed from a council meeting for waving an American flag in protest of the new ordinance. Bassoff argued that his actions were protected under the Constitution, stating, “It’s my constitutional right to do this. If you get sued, you will lose.”

“To consider the American flag and the Constitution a prop when someone raises it is an insult to what the flag is, what the flag stands for and what this country is” – Source

Council President Nishith Patel enforced the new rules by threatening to have Bassoff removed by police if he continued to display the flag. This action has further fueled the controversy, with many residents accusing the council of overstepping its bounds and infringing on constitutional rights.

Public Outcry and Concerns

The incident has sparked widespread criticism from Edison residents. Many argue that the council’s actions resemble those of a dictatorship and have voiced concerns about potential lawsuits for violating constitutional rights. The unequal speaking time between council members and the public has also been a point of contention.

“It’s juvenile to fight this war, you’re losing. It’s just making people more agitated, more determined to do something to provoke getting thrown out” – Source

Resident Sue Malone-Barber criticized the council’s control over public expression, describing the meetings as chaotic and urging the council to allow free expression. Others have suggested increasing speaking time due to the size of the community and the number of issues that need to be discussed.

Council’s Defense and Ongoing Debate

Council President Patel has defended the ordinance, stating that the speaking time limit is intended to foster more focused and engaged discussions. The council maintains that the rules are necessary to prevent offensive language, disruptive behavior, and the use of costumes or props during meetings.

However, the ordinance has not received unanimous support within the council itself. Councilmen Richard Brescher and Ajay Patil voted against the measure, highlighting the divisive nature of the issue even among local officials.

As the debate continues, the Edison Township Council finds itself at a crossroads between maintaining order in public meetings and respecting the constitutional rights of its citizens. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in local governance and the passionate defense of American values that can arise in even the most local of political arenas.