"English-Only" Bill Passes Senate

A bill declaring English the "official common language" of Oklahoma passed the Senate Tuesday (3/3), making it one step closer to becoming law.

The bill would not require state agencies to produce any documents in English, neither would it prohibit them from producing documents in other languages.

Patricia Fennell, executive director of the Latino Community Development Agency, said she is disappointed, but not surprised that the bill passed.

"I think the passing of "English-Only" bills is racism," she said. "It says Oklahoma is unfriendly toward immigrants."

The bill is now on its way to the House and should be heard next week.