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MARCH 6, 2001

A Utah judge on Monday ruled that Utah's "English-only" law was constitutional albeit largely symbolic.

A number of state officials challenged the law, saying it was unconstitutional. Included was Mark Maryboy, a San Juan County commissioner whose county includes parts of the Navajo Nation.

In his duties, Maryboy says he often communicates in Navajo for tribal members. In his ruling, 3rd District Judge Ronald Nehring said the law wouldn't prevent such a practice from continuing.

But Nehring did say the law prevents the state from translating documents into other languages. Certain exemptions apply, however, in tourism for example.

Voters last fall overwhelmingly passed the law, except in San Juan County.

Get the Story:
English-Only Challenge Is Turned Back (The Salt Lake Tribune 3/6)

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