Posted by Eugene Volokh:
National Anthem Law:
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2005_05_15-2005_05_21.shtml#1116454880
Here's what [1]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.
References
1.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-328-1931-LXXXIII&highlight=
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