Texas lawmakers pass bill requiring national anthem to be played by pro sports teams
Fox News
Texas lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday that will penalize professional sports teams if do not play the national anthem before games.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was a staunch advocate for the bill, dubbed the "Star Spangled Banner Protection Act." The measure was first introduced in February after the Dallas Mavericks briefly stopped playing the national anthem before their home games. "Texans are tired of sports teams that pander, insulting our national anthem and the men and women who died fighting for our flag," Patrick said in a statement in April. "The passage of SB 4 will ensure Texans can count on hearing the Star Spangled Banner at major sports events throughout the state that are played in venues that taxpayers support. We must always remember that America is the land of the free and the home of the brave." The Texas House of Representatives passed the bill in a 110-34 vote. The measure previously passed the Texas Senate with bipartisan support in April. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign the bill into law.More Related News