Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images
Officials in Edison, New Jersey, are under fire after the city council passed a rule that limits the amount of time residents have to address lawmakers and bans them from using "props," such as the Constitution and the American flag, while speaking.
Local residents were angry about the new rule and showed up to a recent council meeting to speak out against it. One man, Joel Bassoff, defied the rule by holding up a small American flag as he addressed the council. He argued that the rule was a violation of the First Amendment.
"I’m holding up an American flag to represent the constitutional values," Bassoff said.
Council President Nishith Patel banged his gavel and gave Bassoff a warning, but he continued to speak.
“It’s my constitutional right to do this,” Bassoff continued. “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."
As the crowd began to applaud, Patel said that Bossoff's remaining time was forfeited and asked police officers to remove him from the meeting.
"Your time should be forfeited; your positions should be forfeited," Bassoff replied. "By your actions, you forfeit every right to preside over this meeting."
Patel called for a five-minute recess as officers removed Bossoff from the meeting. Bossoff initially refused to leave and returned to his seat, promising not to interfere with the remainder of the meeting. However, the officers eventually led him out of the council chambers.
You can watch a video of the incident below: