Sacramento removes city law requiring people to stand and salute for national anthem
The city of Sacramento will no longer require people to stand and salute when the national anthem is played.
A Las Vegas man sued the city last month alleging the city code language was unconstitutional and could cause him to be arrested if he refused to stand while the song is played at Kings games.
Days after Jack Lipeles filed the federal lawsuit, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said he wanted the council to remove the law.
“There is simply no place today for such required displays of allegiance,” Steinberg said in a news release at the time. “This antiquated statute is particularly offensive given the recent proud actions of athletes and others taking a knee when the anthem is played. Principled protest is the epitome of patriotism.”
The following language will soon be removed from the city code: “The song, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ is recognized as the national anthem of the United States. When this music is played on a proper occasion during ceremonials, at the close of concerts, theaters, etc., all present shall stand at attention, facing the flag, or, if no flag is displayed, facing the music, and shall render the salute to the flag.”
The city adopted the law in 1928, the staff report said.
Former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and other athletes have been kneeling during the national anthem as a silent protest against police brutality against Black citizens since 2016.
The council did not discuss the item, which was on the consent calendar, on Tuesday before the vote. There was no public comment.
