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US city votes on English-only law US city rejects English-only law
(about 15 hours later)
The southern US city of Nashville is holding a referendum on whether to ban the use of all languages apart from English in local government business. Voters in the US city of Nashville have defeated a proposal to ban the use of all languages apart from English in local government business.
If passed, Nashville would become the largest US city to take such a step. Supporters said it would have saved thousands in translation fees, and provided an incentive to learn English.
Supporters say it would save thousands of dollars in translation fees, and provide an incentive to learn English. However, critics argued that it would discriminate against the nearly 60,000 immigrants in the city who did not speak English as their first language.
However, critics argue that it would discriminate against the nearly 60,000 immigrants in the city who do not speak English as their first language. The "English First" measure was defeated by 41,752 votes to 32,144.
They say the move could stop people who cannot read or write English from seeking vital help from social welfare agencies run by the city authorities. Had it passed, Nashville would have become the largest US city to take such a step.
Legal challenge But business leaders, academics and the city's mayor said it would give the city a bad reputation.
They said the move could stop people who cannot read or write English from seeking vital help from social welfare agencies run by the city authorities.
Nashville has a big Hispanic population, and the largest community of Kurdish Americans in the US - about 11,000 - as well as immigrants from South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa.Nashville has a big Hispanic population, and the largest community of Kurdish Americans in the US - about 11,000 - as well as immigrants from South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
The "English First" charter amendment was put forward by city councillor Eric Crafton, who collected enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue. The charter amendment was put forward by city councillor Eric Crafton, who collected enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue.
If the proposal is approved, opponents have vowed to challenge it in the courts, arguing that it breaches parts of the Civil Rights Act. The United States does not have an official language at the federal level.
The United States does not have an official language at federal level. Thirty states, including Tennessee, and at least a dozen cities have declared English their official language, according to the ProEnglish advocacy group.