Posted on Thu, Jul. 24, 2008

In Pickens County, English rules
Officials expected to finalize law requiring all government business to be done in English
By KATRINA A. GOGGINS - The Associated Press

Prompted by fears of illegal immigration and a lack of jobs, one of South Carolina’s most conservative counties has joined a wave of communities across the country considering laws to make English their official language.

Pickens County officials voted this week to require all business to be conducted in English except in an emergency. Another vote on the issue is slated for next month, and the requirement would become official if it passes.

The law would apply only to companies doing business with the county and would not affect hospitals, schools or courts, County Council vice chairman Ben Trotter said.

“English is something that we speak,â€