by William Upton, The National Pulse:

The town of Edison, New Jersey, has moved to prohibit so-called ‘props’—including American flags and the U.S. Constitution—at city council meetings, claiming their display is disruptive. The ban was enacted through a new local ordinance that also limits how long a resident can address the council.

Established after a nearly five-hour-long council meeting, many Edison residents contend the city government is attempting to stifle complaints about how their tax dollars are being spent and from voicing concerns regarding public safety. “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,” Edison resident Maryann Hennessey said at the recent meeting where the council approved the ordinance. She continued: “For you to consider the use of the American flag a prop is disgusting.”