Utah has a state law in its books from 2000 that makes English the official language of the state and the Governor, Jon Huntsman Jr. intends to use it. He shut down a state-owned informational website because it contained Spanish. The site, www.espanol.utah.gov, was started only a few weeks ago as a Spanish language companion to the state’s official website. The site contained information on how to access services including state health and tax services. Well seems like the English only speaking population didn’t appreciate the gesture and called the Governor’s office to complain that the website violated state law.

Michael Clara, Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly vice chairman, said:

“It’s sad that our governor’s office succumbs to these extreme views,” Clara said. “We have a governor who was an international trade ambassador. The [Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints] sends missionaries all over the world. Salt Lake City is an international place.

Phyllis Sears, chairwoman of the Citizens Council on Illegal Immigration countered by saying:

Most people recognize immigration is not bad. But immigration without assimilation, both in language and in culture, could be a terrible disaster for this nation.

Because you know how Spanish speakers want to take over the United States. Don’t you? A decision on if the Web site violates state lae is expected in about two weeks. I wonder if people would have reacted the same way if the site had been translated into French? Something to make you go hmmm.

Via / Salt Lake Tribune