The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would prohibit cities from requiring a permit for the singing of the national anthem or the reciting of the pledge of allegiance.
In late April, security guards ordered a group of middle school students from North Carolina to stop singing the national anthem at the former site of the World Trade Center because they didn't have a permit. A bill co-sponsored by Capital Region state Senator George Amedore prohibits any city from requiring a permit to sing the national anthem or recite the pledge of allegiance at any public gathering.
"Nobody should ever be required to obtain a permit to sing our anthem or recite our pledge to the flag."
The bill was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblymember William Colton. The 9/11 memorial staff is reportedly re-examining its demonstrations policy.
