Felder Fights to Protect National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance

Senator Simcha Felder has introduced a bill to prohibit the requiring of a permit to sing the National Anthem or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The bill follows recent events where a middle school choir was ordered to cease singing the National Anthem at 9/11 memorial event.

“It’s almost comical that a law should be required to protect people who want to sing our country’s National Anthem or recite our Pledge of Allegiance,” said Senator Felder. “For generations, citizens of this great nation have been proud to express their patriotism and loyalty to the United States by participating in these time-honored traditions. How in the world have we become so politically correct that benign acts of patriotism must be protected under the law?

“Participating in the Star Spangled Banner or the Pledge of Allegiance is a sign of haKaros haTov—gratitude to this country that allows Freedom of Religion and many other freedoms. People who sing the Star Spangled Banner or pledge allegiance to the flag to honor our nation and those who have given their lives in its service should be commended, not subjected to sanctions or fines for failing to obtain a permit.”

The Senator’s law would amend the general city law to add a new section prohibiting the requiring of a permit for the singing of the National Anthem or the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

“I am proud to co-sponsor legislation introduced by Senator Simcha Felder that will prohibit the requiring of a permit to sing the national anthem or recite the Pledge of Allegiance,” said Senator Marty Golden (Brooklyn). “Unfortunately, there is a need for such a law to protect patriotic citizens, despite the fact that so many have sacrificed so that we can live in this Nation of freedom. I urge my colleagues in the State Legislature to approve this bill.”

“Americans recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the Star Spangled Banner to show their patriotism and love for our country,” said Senator Jack Martins (Long Island), a co-sponsor of the bill. “No American should be prohibited from reciting the pledge or singing the national anthem; it's disgraceful that common sense has given way to militant political correctness. I'm proud to join with Senator Felder in fighting to protect our patriotic traditions.”

Other co-sponsors of the bill include Senator George Amedore (Ulster County), Senator Andrew Lanza (Staten Island), Senator William Larkin (Orange County), Senator Michael Nozzolio (Finger Lakes) and Senator Robert Ortt (North Tonawanda).