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Nashville Rejects English-Only Law

English-only proposal defeated

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 23, 2009 7:30 AM CST
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(Newser) – Nashville voters last night defeated an attempt to make English the city's official language, the Tennessean reports. The measure, which would have forced the city council to conduct public business only in English, would have made Nashville the nation's largest city to do so. The referendum failed by a vote of 41,752 to 32,144.

"Voters win because we gave them the option to vote on this issue," said Metro councilman Eric Crafton, who spearheaded the measure. "I'm just glad we're able to vote on this." Opponents said the proposal was divisive and would send the wrong message about the city. Roughly 10% of Nashville's 600,000 residents speak a language other than English at home, census data says.

A yard sign in Nashville encouraging people to vote against an amendment that would require all city work to be done in English.
A yard sign in Nashville encouraging people to vote against an amendment that would require all city work to be done in English.   (AP Photo/Juanita Cousins)
Voters in Nashville have rejected an amendment that would require all city work to be done in English.
Voters in Nashville have rejected an amendment that would require all city work to be done in English.   (Shutterstock)
A yard sign in Nashville encouraging people to vote against an amendment that would require all city work to be done in English.
A yard sign in Nashville encouraging people to vote against an amendment that would require all city work to be done in English.   (AP Photo/Juanita Cousins)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
riffran
Jan 24, 2009 4:56 AM CST
That ladies and gentlemen is democracy in action, majority wins minority loses.....I would have voted to make it english only, but I aint there...and I would have been on the losing end....but thats what democracy and freedom is all about

Nashville says no to English-only law
Reuters

Nashville voters reject 'English First' proposal
Associated Press

US

 
Tennessee • Nashville • referendum • English language • official language

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