National Anthem Law:

Here’s what the Michigan Penal Code says about the National Anthem:

Sec. 542. . . . The national hymn or anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”, shall not be played, sung or otherwise rendered in this state in any public place nor at any public entertainment, nor in any theatre, motion picture hall, restaurant or cafe, except as an entire and separate composition or number and without embellishments of national or other melodies; nor shall “The Star Spangled Banner” or any part thereof or selection from the same, be played as a part or selection of a medley of any kind; nor shall “The Star Spangled Banner” be played at or in any of the places mentioned herein for dancing or as an exit march.

Sec. 541. . . .

No [operators] . . . of any theatre, motion picture hall, restaurant, cafe or other places in this state where the public gathers, shall permit or allow anyone who plays, sings or performs therein to play, sing or otherwise render “The Star Spangled Banner” in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

Sec. 543. . . . Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Fortunately, it’s pretty clear that the First Amendment bars Michigan from enforcing this. It’s also pretty clear that musical law makes the ban on playing “The Star Spangled Banner” for dancing quite unnecessary.

And, of course, if the requirement that it be played as “an entire . . . composition” means that all the stanzas need to be sung, not just the first, then I’ll bet that most ballparks are in violation.

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