Oklahoma: House passes legislation to make English official language

[Harold Schiffman]

House passes legislation to make English official language of Oklahoma
By Associated Press
4:42 PM CDT, March 11, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Legislation that makes English the official
language of Oklahoma has passed the state House in spite of opponents
who say it is divisive and unnecessary. House members approved the
bill 66-32 Wednesday and sent it to the Senate for a vote. Rep. Randy
Terrill of Moore authored the bill and says it would prevent the state
from having to provide taxpayer-funded services in a language other
than English. Terrill says more than 30 other states have similar
bills.

But opponents say it demeans the languages of Oklahoma's 39 federally
recognized Indian tribes and sends the wrong message to the rest of
the world. Rep. Shane Jett of Tecumseh says the measure is
closed-minded and not inclusive. Rep. Jerry McPeak of Warner says it
is more about politics than good policy.

http://www.kfor.com/news/sns-ap-ok-xgr--officialenglish,0,5095935.story
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