Georgia lawmakers push for English-only government
ATLANTA – Georgia lawmakers are moving forward with a proposal to prevent the state government from issuing non-English communications, with some exceptions.
By a non-unanimous voice vote, the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday approved Sen. Joshua McKoon’s proposed constitutional amendment to name English as the state’s “official language.” State law already contains that designation, but McKoon, a Columbus Republican, said the law is not being properly enforced and the issue needs to be cleared up by revising the state constitution.
With the exception of some issues such as public health and safety, the government should be conducting its business only in English, McKoon said. The resolution wouldn’t affect the languages used by individuals or private organizations.
Constitutional amendments require two-thirds approval in both chambers and voters’ approval in a statewide election.