By Illinois Radio Network
CHICAGO – A proposed ordinance in Chicago would make standing for the national anthem city law.
Read in session Wednesday, the citizen-introduced ordinance filed by ex-Chicago 11th Ward Ald. Jim Balcer would add language to the city’s municipal code that mirrors the language in federal law regarding appropriate conduct during the national anthem.
In addition to rules set for members of the Armed Forces and veterans in attendance, Balcer’s proposed ordinance states “all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart.”
The proposal comes at a time when national sports figures are showing signs of protest during the playing of the national anthem to bring attention to social justice and racial inequalities. While protests during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner are not a new occurrence, the act was given new publicity when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began refusing to stand for the anthem during the NFL’s preseason.
Kaepernick told NFL Media, “There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder,” a reference to recent high-profile police shootings of African Americans.
The 49ers are scheduled to host the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Dec. 4.
Interestingly, Balcer requested that the ordinance be referred to the Council’s Committee on Finance, headed by powerful 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke. A former police sergeant, Burke introduced an ordinance in June that would expand the city’s hate crimes law to protect current and former police officers.
Like the federal statute, the proposed ordinance includes the word “should” in its language and carries no punishments for defying it.
Ex-Alderman Balcer, a Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient, could not be reached for comment.
