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FEBRUARY 1, 2001

The judge presiding over a trial testing the constitutionality of an English-only law in Utah said its supporters were "backpedaling" on its intent and effectiveness in court Wednesday.

Although the law requires government business -- with several exceptions -- to be conducted in English, its supporters now say it doesn't prevent documents and other information from being available in other languages. Judge Ronald Nehring therefore said it might just be a "symbolic" law.

The law was approved by 67 percent of voters in November. Several Utah officials filed a lawsuit in response, including San Juan County Commissioner Mark Maryboy. Navajo voters in the county overwhelmingly voted against the initiative.

Get the Story:
Judge: English-Only May Be Benign (The Salt Lake Tribune 2/1)

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