Edison, New Jersey, has clarified its stance on an ordinance perceived by many as a ban on American flags at township council meetings, following significant public backlash.
Council President Nishith Patel has since stated that the ordinance in question never explicitly prohibited flags.
The controversy began during a late November council meeting when Edison resident and attorney Joel Bassoff was escorted out by police for waving small American flags in protest of the ordinance.
The ordinance, O.2239-2024, restricts the use of “props” and “costumes or non-medically necessary masks” during public meetings, citing these as potential disruptions. Violators may be warned or removed if deemed disruptive.
The incident has drawn attention from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), which is exploring legal action to protect residents’ First Amendment rights. FIRE stated, “Edison Township can expect to hear from FIRE in short order.”
Responding to the controversy, Patel issued a statement apologizing for any confusion and emphasized the council’s respect for the American flag.
“Let me be very clear. The Edison Council has never, nor will we ever ban the American flag from our public meetings,” Patel wrote. He noted that both the American and New Jersey