EDISON, New Jersey — The Edison Township council has recently enacted a controversial ordinance that restricts the use of “props” during public addresses, a move that has sparked protests and drawn the attention of a free speech advocacy group. Officials indicate that the definition of “props” may extend to items such as the U.S. flag and the Constitution themselves.

Last week, the council introduced this new regulation in an effort to enhance decorum in what can often be chaotic public meetings. Along with the prohibition of props, the updated rules also ban the wearing of costumes or non-medical masks, the use of vulgar or insulting language, and other disruptive behaviors. Furthermore, speakers will now have a maximum of four minutes to present their comments, while rebuttals are no longer permitted.

Resident Maryann Hennessey voiced her objections during the council meeting, stating that categorizing the American flag and the Constitution as props is disrespectful to their significance and the principles they represent. “It’s an insult to what the flag is, what the flag stands for and what this country is,” she expressed, according to local media reports.

Council President Nishith Patel defended the new regulations, arguing that they are intended to preserve respectful discourse rather than stifle free speech. He noted that the council has witnessed instances where “the theatrics and the grandstanding” have eclipsed critical discussions about community concerns.

While Patel mentioned that the flag and Constitution could be perceived as props when utilized for dramatic effect, he emphasized that their true essence lies in the values they embody—freedom, equality, and justice—rather than in their presentation during speeches.

During the meeting, one resident criticized the council, suggesting that they were attempting to restrict criticism directed at them and predicted that they would likely lose any legal challenges arising from this decision. A video from the session shows the individual waving an American flag and being escorted out after multiple warnings.

Subsequently, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression shared a clip of this incident on social media, labeling the council’s actions as “unacceptable” and indicating that further communication would be forthcoming from their organization.

Additionally, some council members themselves expressed unease regarding the new guidelines, with two members voting against the ordinance—one even waving a flag while casting their vote in opposition.