State Question 751 is one around which much considered debate swirls. Proponents of the referendum generally cite cost-saving measures as state documents would not have to be provided in any language but English, unless otherwise mandated by Federal law. For example, this would allow Oklahoma Driver’s License exams to be English-only (much safer in my opinion, considering all the ROAD SIGNS are in English…). Further, this referendum only reaches to mandates on “official state business” and also allows the legislature to narrow the scope of this mandate at its discretion.
This measure attempts to eliminate certain Due Process and Equal Protection claims against our state government and its agencies or political subdivisions, merely for supplying documents or aid in English and only English.
The referendum also extends an olive branch to Oklahoma’s Native speakers, who were the first and loudest opponents to similar legislation on the floor in 2007. Native Americans who served in our legislature at the time cited not only cultural concerns, but diminished tourism and ugliness as reasons why they opposed the bill. (see this 2007 story).
The language you will see on election day is as follows:
This measure amends the State Constitution. It adds a new Article to the Constitution. That Article deals with the State’s official actions. It dictates the language to be used in taking official State action. It requires that official State actions be in English. Native American languages could also be used. When Federal law requires, other languages could also be used.
These language requirements apply to the State’s “official actions.” The term “official actions” is not defined. The legislature could pass laws determining the application of the language requirements. The Legislature would also pass laws implementing and enforcing the language requirements.
No lawsuit based on State law could be brought on the basis of a State agency’s failure to use a language other than English. Nor could such a lawsuit be brought against political subdivisions of the State.
It seems to me that this makes intuitive as well as political sense. I also do not think it is offensive to non-English speakers. If you come to the U.S. and reside in our state, you should learn English. I know several charitable organizations that offer English language classes for free to the good citizens and guests of Oklahoma who need language training.
Finally, it is right to require citizens to speak our language. For example, driver’s licenses are privileges given to residents of our state, and as such, should be provided to only those who want to learn the language of the safety signs which dot the roadway and are essential to our safe locomotion.





Senator Randy Brogdon (R), candidate for Governor in 2010, is proposing another legislative referendum for the 2010 ballot. This one involves Obamacare–or protection against such a thing, should it ever come to pass. I got this from 




Blog OK
Recent Comments