[vidarh]

It's not always a choice. Even when it is not overtly made mandatory, it often have "political" consequences if you are seen as detaching from what happens in the team. Being physically present has significant signalling effects.

[Freak_NL]

"You guys can probably handle this without me. Do you need for me anything else?"

Or, if that is not acceptable due to workplace hierarchy, talk to your manager and explain the problem. If being present is a political necessity, chances are so is not secluding yourself behind a screen.

[joesb]

Telling people to "quit demanding respect" can have "political" consequencs, too.

And may be you missed the point that, like being physically present, opening laptops in the meeting also has significant signalling effects.