W.Va. Makes English Its Official Language

.Va. Makes English Its Official Language

Tue Apr 12, 9:55 AM ET U.S. National - AP


By ERIK SCHELZIG, Associated Press Writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Two days after the end of the legislative session, state lawmakers are discovering something few were aware of: They voted to make English the official language of West Virginia.



The language amendment was quietly inserted into a bill addressing the number of members that cities can appoint to boards of parks and recreation. Among mundane details about record-keeping, the amendment adds the provision that "English shall be the official language of the State of West Virginia."


Senate Majority Whip Billy Wayne Bailey successfully offered that change to House Bill 2782 amid a flurry of bills moving back and forth between the House and Senate on Saturday, the last night of the 60-day legislative session.


"I just told the members that the amendment clarifies the way in which documents are produced," Bailey, a Democrat, said Monday.


House Majority Leader Rick Staton recommended that his chamber agree with the Senate's changes. But Staton, also a Democrat, said he was unaware of the substance of the amendment until asked about it by The Associated Press Monday evening.


Efforts to make English the state's official language have been introduced annually since the late 1990s. A group called U.S. English has championed the cause.


"I think it's wrong that's something like that was snuck into that bill in the last minute," said House Judiciary Chairman Jon Amores, who helped kill an earlier proposal to forbid any state or local agency from having to print documents in any language but English.


A spokeswoman for Gov. Joe Manchin could not immediately be reached for comment.


Andrew Schneider, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia, said English-only laws are based on the false premise that immigrants will not learn English without government coercion.


"And English-only laws do nothing constructive to increase English proficiency. They simply discriminate and punish those who have not yet learned English," Schneider said.

LINK to Article


Senate Majority Whip Billy Wayne Bailey ....Who was that masked man ??
Good going Billy !!

We need a Constitutional Amendment in making English the official language of the US. Look at the ACLU; talking about the discrimination that it will cause, well i say what about the employers that discriminate against those that need to speak English and Spanish to get a job? Why do we have learn and adapt when we speak English? I never have gotten how those can defend such an argument that hinders Us citizens when we have adapt because they don’t and employers are more than welcome to do so.

Good find,

Acidrain

I apologize for posting the Home Page articles early, but since I have a huge anti-tax event to attend in Raleigh, NC tomorrow, that involves my getting up and being in Raleigh so early that the sun might not even be up yet, I felt I had to.

Great find Charles.

http://www.alipac.us/article-339--0-0.html

English is also the official language here in California but that doesn't stop me from having to order Whoppers or Big Macs in Espanol...

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Originally Posted by rickesteves

English is also the official language here in California but that doesn't stop me from having to order Whoppers or Big Macs in Espanol...

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English is also the official language in NE. it is actually within the first 50 lines at the start of the constitution of the state. However, just because it is there, does NOT mean it is abided by. However, it DOES provide a good tool when lawsuits start, which oh my, they will!!

Quote:

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Andrew Schneider, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia, said English-only laws are based on the false premise that immigrants will not learn English without government coercion.


"And English-only laws do nothing constructive to increase English proficiency. They simply discriminate and punish those who have not yet learned English," Schneider said.

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Are you kidding me? English only laws do nothing constructive to increase English proficiency? I suppose having everything printed in every other language but English will surely encourage immigrants to get off their lazy behinds and learn the language of the land. Earth to the Without ACLUE, they aren't learning English now. It's simple idiots, we are an English speaking country and it's been that way for centuries. Either adapt or get out. Gee wouldn't it be helpful to understand the language especially when reading a road sign while driving or reading an important document? :roll:

I couldn't go to another country an expect them to learn english for me so why should this country be any different?