A New Jersey lawyer was removed from a town council meeting after waving an American flag in protest of a new ban.

An individual from New Jersey was removed from a town council session for displaying an American flag in opposition to a new regulation prohibiting such items, including the U.S. Constitution and other "props," during the public comment section of meetings.

The Township of Edison, NJ recently passed an ordinance that shortened the time residents have to speak to the council and prohibited them from using "props" such as American flags during public comments, according to MyCentralJersey.com.

Immediately, residents opposed the rule during a five-hour meeting on Nov. 25, claiming it violated their First Amendment rights and was a "disgusting" attempt to suppress their voices for their community.

""Considering the American flag and Constitution as props when someone raises it is an insult to the flag's meaning and what this country represents," Maryann Hennessey, a resident, told council members."

As he held a small American flag in his hand, Joel Bassoff, a lawyer from Edison, cautioned the council about the potential legal consequences of imposing restrictions on residents.

Bassoff stated that he was displaying an American flag to symbolize constitutional principles.

In the video, Nishith Patel, Council President, bangs his gavel and issues Bassoff an official warning.

"Bassoff stated, "As per my constitutional right, I am entitled to do this. If you face legal action, you will suffer defeat. I advise you to seek a second opinion from a skilled attorney because you are mistaken.""

"You are disrupting the order of this meeting by interrupting the public speaker's right to speak. It must cease immediately," Bassoff declared.

As he looked down to proceed, police officers appeared behind him.

"His time is forfeited," Patel told the officers.

""Your actions forfeit every right to preside over this meeting, and your time and positions should be fortified," Bassoff replied."

Patel instructed the officers to remove Bassoff from the podium, prompting a resident to shout "shame on you" from the audience. Bassoff responded by agreeing to sit quietly and not interfere with the decorum, asserting his right to be present.

The council members voted for a five-minute recess after the officers escorted Basoff out of the room.

The ordinance O.2239-2024 aims to establish rules to maintain decorum at township council meetings that have become a subject of mockery due to their chaotic nature. In October, a man dressed as a Bong was removed from the podium after taking it in full costume. One resident described council meetings of late as a "three-ring circus."

Patel stated that any props, including the American Flag and the US Constitution, would not be allowed as they are not conducive to good order, as the president.

Patel did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital’s request for comment.