A Wisconsin bill to require the national anthem to be played before all sporting events at fields and stadiums that received public funding passed in the state Assembly in a 74-22 vote Tuesday, with strong bipartisan support. The bill will go on to the state Senate, which Republicans control, where it could be sent to Democratic Gov. Kurtz, a 20-year Army veteran, said he came up with the idea in response to the Dallas Mavericks’ decision earlier this year to stop playing the national anthem before home games. "The national anthem, the flag, it's very near and dear to me," Kurtz said. During an emotional floor speech before the bill passed the state Assembly Tuesday, Kurtz argued that the national anthem is one thing that can help unite the country during a divisive political climate.

Source: Fox News May 12, 2021 17:48 UTC