Indiana Law Would Criminalize “Inappropriate” Singing of National Anthem By David Wallechinsky and Noel Brinkerhoff

Claiming there’s a right and wrong way to do it, a lawmaker in Indiana has introduced legislation that bans the inappropriate singing of the national anthem.

 

Republican Senator Vaneta Becker’s bill would set specific “performance standards” for “The Star-Spangled Banner” at events sponsored by public schools and state universities, or by private schools receiving state or local scholarship funds or vouchers.

 

The bill’s language does not offer a definition of an acceptable version of the song. Instead, Becker is leaving that up to the State Department of Education and the Commission for Higher Education.

 

If the measure becomes law, those not abiding by the appropriate standards will be fined $25.

 

Indiana citizens have been particularly sensitive to the singing of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” since May 2001 when Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, performing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, changed the last line from “the home of the brave” to “the home of the Indianapolis 500.”

 

Massachusetts law forbids the use of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as dance music, as part of a medley or as an exit march…punishable by a fine of up to $100.

 

In October 2010 the House of Representatives of the Philippines passed a law that included jail time for improper singing of the Filipino national anthem, but the bill died in the Senate.