An attorney in Edison Township, New Jersey, was forcibly removed from a council meeting for waving the American flag, sparking a heated debate on free speech and local governance.
At a Glance
- Edison Township Council passed an ordinance banning “props” during meetings, including the American flag and Constitution.
- Attorney Joel Bassoff was ejected for waving the American flag in protest of the new rule.
- Residents argue the ordinance violates their constitutional rights to free speech.
- Council President Nishith Patel defended the measure as necessary for maintaining order.
- The incident has fueled a larger debate about balancing civility and free expression in public forums.
Controversial Ordinance Sparks Outrage
Edison Township in New Jersey has found itself at the center of a contentious debate over free speech and local governance. The township council recently passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of “props” during council meetings, including items such as the American flag and the U.S. Constitution. This move has ignited fierce opposition from residents who view it as an infringement on their constitutional rights.
The new rules limit individual speaking time to four minutes, eliminate rebuttal comments, and establish strict guidelines for decorum. Council President Nishith Patel has defended these measures as necessary for maintaining order and fostering more focused discussions. However, many residents see them as an attempt to suppress public expression and concerns.
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
Attorney Ejected for Flag Protest
The controversy reached a boiling point when attorney Joel Bassoff was forcibly removed from a council meeting for waving an American flag in protest of the new ordinance. Bassoff, citing his constitutional rights, argued that the council’s actions were unlawful and unpatriotic.
“I’m holding up an American flag to represent the constitutional values,” Bassoff declared before his removal. “It’s my constitutional right to do this. If you get sued, you will lose. My suggestion to you is that you get a second opinion from competent counsel because you are wrong.”
The incident has galvanized opposition to the ordinance, with many residents viewing it as an assault on their freedoms. Maryann Hennessey, a local resident, expressed her outrage, stating, “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.”
Legal and Civic Implications
The Edison Township Council’s decision to implement these restrictions has raised serious questions about the balance between maintaining order in public meetings and protecting citizens’ rights to free speech and expression. Critics argue that the ordinance could potentially lead to lawsuits for violating constitutional rights.
“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,” remarked Sue Malone-Barber, another concerned resident.
While the ordinance does not explicitly ban the American flag or the U.S. Constitution, Council President Patel has stated that any props would be deemed not conducive to good order. This broad interpretation has further fueled the controversy, with residents arguing that it gives the council too much power to stifle public expression.
Community Divided
The incident has deeply divided the Edison community. While some support the council’s efforts to maintain decorum, many view the ordinance as an overreach of authority. The ejection of Bassoff and another resident for holding up the U.S. Constitution has only intensified these feelings.
As the debate continues, the Edison Township Council finds itself under increasing pressure to address the concerns of its constituents. The controversy serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining order in public forums and preserving the fundamental rights of citizens to express themselves freely.
Sources:
- Edison Township Council bans American flag – and other ‘props’ – from meetings
- New Jersey lawyer ejected from town council meeting for waving American flag to protest ‘disgusting’ new ban
- NJ lawyer tossed out of town council meeting for waving American flag to protest new ban
