Georgia's House Judiciary committee passed a resolution (10-4) to amend the state's constitution and declare English, Georgia's official language. Even though the law already says English is the state's official language, some agencies offer accommodations, for non-native English speakers.
The proposed constitutional amendment would take that law one step further and require that all state business be conducted in English. That includes the driver's license test, now offered in more than a dozen languages.
Supporters of the amendment say safety is their primary concern. However, opponents call the measure another attempt at immigrant bashing.
Jerry Gonzales is Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials.
"Let's call this for what it is. It is an election year ploy. It's pure politics to try to attract voters to try to come out to the polls. Immigrant bashing is not working in this election cycle. This legislation is just that, its a mechanism for Georgia to immigrant bash."The measure now goes to the House Rules Committee for consideration. If the Rules Committee approves the amendment, it goes on to the full House for a vote where it requires a two thirds majority to pass.
