English only bill dead

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Legislation that would make English the state's official language is apparently dead after being returned to a state House committee. <br><br>The bill passed in the House Rules

Wednesday, March 12th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Legislation that would make English the state's official language is apparently dead after being returned to a state House committee.

The bill passed in the House Rules Committee last month but was returned to the committee Tuesday without explanation from its author, Representative Ron Kirby.

Thursday is the deadline for measures that originate in the House to be approved or be considered dead for the year.

Kirby has said the goal of the bill was to ensure that official state documents won't have to be offered in multiple languages.

He said the bill wasn't aimed at the influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants from Mexico or any other race.

Opponents say the bill carried racial overtones.