AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following the passage of Senate Bill 4, the Star Spangled Banner Protection Act, by Sen. Dawn Buckingham, R-Lakeway:

“Sports bring us together at a time when too many things divide us. Congratulations to Sen. Buckingham and the Texas Senate for their support of this important piece of legislation. Texans are tired of sports teams that pander, insulting our national anthem and the men and women who died fighting for our flag. The passage of SB 4 will ensure Texans can count on hearing the Star Spangled Banner at major sports events throughout the state that are played in venues that taxpayers support. We must always remember that America is the land of the free and the home of the brave.”