Officials in a New Jersey town are backtracking on elements of their “prop” policy, which prohibited residents from carrying American flags and the U.S. Constitution while speaking during town meetings.
While the decorum ban is still in place, officials claim it does not apply to the American flag and Consitution.
Edison Township Council President Nishith Patel said the decorum ordinance was a misunderstanding. “Let me be very clear, the Edison Council has never, nor will we ever, ban the American flag from our public meetings,” he stated.
“Our nation’s flag as well as our state’s flag are both prominently and honorably displayed in our council chamber. We proudly and humbly begin each council meeting with the pledge of allegiance to our flag, reaffirming our commitment and loyalty to our country and the history and values upon which it stands,” Patel said.
Edison’s mayor, Sam Joshi, agreed with the statement, saying the American flag has “never, ever, been banned, nor will it ever be banned in our municipal complex, or any government building that we solely operate. We are all proud Americans who believe in the principles, morals, and values the American flag represents.”
Patel previously said the U.S. flag and Constitution may be considered props “when used performatively.”
After the prop ordinance was put into place, resident Maryann Hennessey said, “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.”
Edison Township made headlines when a video emerged of police escorting a man out of a hearing after he waved a small American flag and argued against the ban.
