Edison Ordinance Aims to Limit “Props” at Council Meetings, Including American Flag and US Constitution By
The Edison Reporter Staff
November 23, 2024
Edison, NJ – A proposed ordinance in Edison has sparked controversy by aiming to restrict the use of “props” during public comment at Township Council meetings. The ordinance, put forward by Council President Nish Patel, specifically lists “the use of props while addressing the Council” as an activity that could be considered disruptive.
While the ordinance doesn’t explicitly mention the American Flag or the US Constitution, Council President Nish Patel directly answered the question regarding the American Flag and US Constitution by stating “any props will be considered not conducive to good order and as the President I am Making that call.”
The ordinance, O.2239-2024, seeks to establish firm rules of decorum for conduct at Township Council meetings. It grants the Council President or presiding officer the authority to maintain order and decorum, including warning and removing individuals who engage in disruptive behavior. ...
The inclusion of “props” as a potentially disruptive element has drawn particular attention. Especially after the Council President Nish Patel clearly stated his intention to ban the American Flag and US Constitution. “The American flag is a symbol of our nation and our values,” said resident Joel Bassoff. “To suggest that displaying it is disruptive is an insult to everything it stands for.”
During the debate, Council Vice President Margot Harris raised a crucial question that cut to the heart of the issue: “How are props as an expression not part of the 1st Amendment?” This pointed inquiry highlighted the potential conflict between the proposed ordinance and the constitutional right to freedom of speech. ...
toddstarnes
@toddstarnes
🇺🇸🇺🇸 The American flag and U.S. Constitution has been banned by the town council in Edison, New Jersey. Citizens are no longer allowed to address the council holding Old Glory or the Constitution.
The council president called the U.S. flag a "prop" and said “any props will be considered not conducive to good order and as the President I am making that call.”
The council president is Nish Patel.
Any First Amendment attorneys care to take up this case on behalf of the citizens of Edison?
10:44 PM · Nov 30, 2024
