Constitutional amendment; provides that English is official language of State. (HJ729)
Introduced By
Del. Johnny Joannou (D-Portsmouth) with support from co-patron Del. Mark Cole (R-Fredericksburg)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
Description
Constitutional amendment (first resolution); English as the official language of the Commonwealth. Provides that English is the official language of Virginia. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/14/2009 | Committee |
| 01/14/2009 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/14/09 095515572 |
| 01/14/2009 | Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections |
| 01/22/2009 | Assigned P & E sub: Constitutional |
| 02/10/2009 | Left in Privileges and Elections |
Comments
This is a VACOLAO legislative priority. VACOLAO opposes this bill which is the first step toward putting an English only requirement in the state constitution. Virginia established English as its "official" language in 1996. This proposal sends a message to all persons in Virginia whose first language is other than English that they are not welcome.
The Virginia Interfaith Center opposes this bill.
This would gratuitously send a xenophobic message about Virginia. (Why not make go all the way and make white the official race of Virginia?)
Oppose