Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore spoke out Wednesday on professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem, saying it "demonstrates a lack of patriotism."

In a statement issued by his campaign, the Republican nominee also backed positions by President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in calling for players not to kneel during the anthem.

Here is Moore's statement in full:

"As a West Point graduate and Vietnam veteran, I know what it means to stand for our flag, defend our country and advance the freedoms America represents around the world.

"Kneeling during our national anthem not only demonstrates a lack of patriotism for our country but a disrespect for the rule of law. Title 36 of the United States Code, Section 301 states that all persons present during the National Anthem 'should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart'.

"I fully support President Trump and Vice President Pence in asking all Americans to stand for our flag during the playing of our national anthem out of respect for our laws and all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country."

Pence attended an NFL game in Indianapolis on Sunday and left the game before it began on orders from Trump to do so if players knelt during the anthem.

Kneeling during the anthem has become more prevalent this season in the NFL as a means of protest for racial equality.

Moore faces Democrat Doug Jones in the Dec. 12 Senate election.