SENATOR AMEDORE MOVES BILL TO PROTECT ANTHEM, PLEDGE THROUGH SENATE

The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.7395), co-sponsored by Senator George Amedore, that would prohibit cities from requiring a permit for the singing of the national anthem or the reciting of the pledge of allegiance.

Recently, a school group was prohibited from singing the national anthem at a September 11th memorial service because they had not acquired a permit to do so. This legislation prohibits a city from requiring a permit to sing the national anthem or recite the pledge of allegiance at any event, and provides that no sanctions or penalties can be assessed on any one or group who does so.

“It’s crazy that we have to pass legislation to allow our citizens to express their patriotism and love of our great country,” said Senator Amedore. “The recent incident where a middle school choir was not allowed to sing the national anthem at a memorial service honoring those who were lost during the 9/11 terrorist acts is disgraceful. Nobody should ever be required to obtain a permit to sing our anthem or recite our pledge.”

The bill was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblymember William Colton.

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