Patrick Testin. Image courtesy: Twitter.
MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Stevens Point Senator Patrick Testin says his Star-Spangled Banner Act is not about forced patriotism or making residents embrace the flag or our National Anthem.
Instead, he says he doesn’t want to see a reminder of a bind that ties us together done away with before events that bring people together.
“We just want to make sure the opportunity is there,” said Testin. “[And] really that we get back to where we need to be. Remembering that while we can have differences of opinion, different political beliefs, but we are all on the same team as Americans.”
The bill would require any venue that was built with taxpayer dollars to play the Star-Spangled Banner before events. He says that includes everything from Fiserv Forum and Lambeau Field down to your local youth sports complex. He notes that many local venues do play the anthem before games.
While the bill encourages compliance it currently does not come with any penalties for violations. Testin says it doesn’t even require that everyone in attendance participate or salute the fag or that teams be on the sidelines when the song is played. Just that the opportunity to have that moment of patriotism is there for those that want it.
“It’s giving people the option to exercise their free speech. I would also remind individuals that in Wisconsin state statutes we mandate that our public schools start each day with either the Pledge of Allegiance or the playing of the National Anthem,” he added.
Testin cited the recent news that Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban ordered that his team’s games begin without the song while fans were not in attendance, a move that was reversed by the NBA, as his inspiration for drafting the bill.
“If taxpayers have funded these arenas, they should have every opportunity to honor that flag, to honor the men and women who have made so many sacrifices, [including] the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation,” he said.
Another Central Wisconsin lawmaker, Representative Scott Krug of the Town of Rome and Tony Kurtz of Wonewoc have co-authored the bill. Testin adds that both the American Legion and VFW have expressed their support for the measure.
It’s unclear how much support the measure has in the Republican-controlled Senate. Governor Tony Evers has not commented on the proposal.
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