The Edison Township Council in New Jersey recently adopted new rules for public comments where speakers are prohibited from using props while talking, including the American flag and U.S. Constitution.
In protest of the new rule, attorney Joel Bassoff held up a copy of the Constitution and was immediately warned by a councilman that his speaking time was forfeited.
“You took an oath to the U.S. Constitution, which includes allowing free speech,” Bassoff said as three police officers approached him and forced him to quit speaking.
Resident kicked out of town council in Edison, NJ for literally holding up a US Constitution pic.twitter.com/0kVop8nxPe
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 3, 2024
During his second time at the podium, Bassoff held an American flag in his hand and told the council it’s his constitutional right to hold Old Glory while speaking.
“I’m holding up an American flag to represent the constitutional values that we should employ at this point,” he said.
“If you get sued, you will lose,” Bassoff told a councilman who was trying to interrupt his speech. “My suggestion to you is you get a second opinion from competent council because you are wrong.”
When law officers were again called to remove the speaker from the podium, he told the councilman, “Your time should be forfeited. Your position should be forfeited. By your actions, you forfeit the right to preside over this meeting!”
BREAKING: Edison, NJ Town Council bans American flags at meetings.
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 2, 2024
An angry resident protests by waving his American flag. Security removes him. pic.twitter.com/UJOhXVAuDE
Bossoff voluntarily moved to a seat in the meeting room, but the council demanded officers completely remove him from the building.
“Shame on you,” several residents told the police who escorted Bossoff from the meeting.
Resident Maryann Hennessey scolded the council, saying, “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. For you to consider the use of the American flag a prop is disgusting.”
The New Jersey GOP 𝕏 account posted footage of the incident and told followers they hope to see them at the next meeting on December 11th.
The American people are sick of being treated like criminals for supporting their own country.