New Jersey Town Bans American Flags as ‘Props’ in Council Meetings
By Sarah Wagner – December 2, 2024
A New Jersey town has banned American flags from its council meetings.
According to a new ordinance reported by My Central Jersey, the American flag, the Consitution, and other items are considered “props” and are prohibited from being used during the public portion of meetings.
The new rules also limit residents’ comments to four minutes, remove rebuttal comments, and create rules for decorum.
“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,” town resident Maryann Hennessey said. “For you to consider the use of the American flag a prop is disgusting.”
Resident Joel Bassoff said the new rules “gag” the public. As My Central Jersey reported, Bassoff held the Consitution and was told it was a “prop.” The outlet said Bassoff was “in violation of the council rules and his time to speak was being forfeited and if he continued, he faced being removed by police.”
Sue Malone-Barber, another resident, said locals “won’t forget how they were made to feel and how things were handled.” She added, “Flags, really a prop, you going to throw me out?”
“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,” she stated. “Let it go. It’s a waste of taxpayer time.”
According to the outlet, the rules say “meetings should be conducted in an orderly manner, but also warn residents not to use offensive or abusive language, engage in disruptive behavior, wear costumes or use any props while addressing the council.”
