A bill requiring New Hampshire students to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance passed a house committee today.
"Standing is a sign of national patriotism," says Republican Representative Lawrence Kappler.
Current law permits students to remain seated, as long as they are silent and respectful. The constitutionality of the bill is in question, however. Representative Gary Richardson believes that requiring someone to stand is clearly an issue of free speech.
"I'm not happy with that position, but that is what the constitution requires," says the Democrat from Hopkinton.
The legislation passed the Constitutional Review Committee on an 8-4 vote, and now heads to the full House for a vote.
