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Legislator Proposing Standards For Singing National Anthem

Last updated on Monday, January 2, 2012

(INDIANAPOLIS) - An Indiana legislator is proposing that the state set standards for singing and playing the national anthem at public schools and universities.

The bill filed by Republican state Sen. Vaneta Becker of Evansville calls for the state education department to establish rules on acceptable performances.

Becker tells The Indianapolis Star that she started working on the proposal after a constituent said she thought a school program in which the words of "The Star-Spangled Banner" were changed was disrespectful.

She says the bill isn't aimed at off-key singers, only those who make intentional changes. It sets a possible $25 fine.

The bill probably doesn't violate the Constitution, but ACLU of Indiana lawyer Kenneth Falk says he doesn't know why legislators would want to specify how any song should be sung.

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