Official English Measure Clears Legislature

Oklahomans will vote next year on the opportunity to make English the official language of state government following final House passage of legislation today.

“As our common language, English and the ‘melting pot’ process it makes possible has made the United States the most successful multi-ethnic nation in history,” said Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore. “This legislation will reinforce our nation’s unity and help end the drift toward linguistic Balkanization."

House Joint Resolution 1042, by Terrill and Senator Anthony Sykes, recognizes that English is Oklahoma’s common and unifying language, and declares that all official actions of the state must be conducted in English. It also bars individuals from suing the state to have services provided in languages other than English.

Under the provisions of the legislation, private individuals and businesses will still be allowed to use whatever language they choose. Only official government business would be affected.

The bill also contains specific provisions protecting the “use, study, development, or encouragement” of any Native American language, including the languages used by Oklahoma’s 39 federally recognized Native American tribes.

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