MADISON, WI- State Representative Tony Kurtz’s bill, mandating playing of the national anthem in nearly every sports venue in Wisconsin, passed the Assembly Tuesday. Kurtz says it’s about patriotism
“I’m proud of our national anthem, I’m proud of our flag, I’m proud of our nation and I’m not afraid to say you need to play this.”
Kurtz’s bill addresses the problem by requiring the anthem at any sports facility that’s received taxpayer support, although it carries no penalties for failing to do so.
“It’s a bill that I’m extremely passionate about.”
The bill requires playing the anthem prior to games at any facility that receives taxpayer funding, from Fiserv Forum to a middle school gym. It passed with bipartisan support, but some Democrats call it a political stunt. It now goes to the state Senate.
When Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban ordered his NBA team to stop playing the national anthem, Kurtz was inspired to draft a bill mandating the anthem at sports venues here
“I do want awareness of the national anthem. And when one individual, a billionaire can say “I don’t want to play it,” at his whim, that’s a problem.”
Cuban backed down under pressure from the league. The bill passed the Assembly on a bipartisan vote Tuesday, although some Democrats call it a political stunt. It now goes to the Senate.
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