Is there REALLY some sort of a bill being considered to outlaw speaking Spanish in public places?

Question

A co-worker told me today that he heard of a bill being considered in the legislature to outlaw speaking Spanish in public places--that is, that it would be illegal to speak the language in a private conversation. I don't speak Spanish, but I find it so appalling and shocking that anyone would consider this within the bounds of constitutionality that I find it hard to be true. Can anyone direct me to an article or government site discussing this kind of law? If it's real, I'd like to write a strongly-worded letter to my congressman!

Answer 1

I doubt it. Someone probably mentioned it, some bonehead may have even drafted something, but that is nowhere on the horizon.

Answer 2

I can see why you'd think it's rude buy i don't think they're trying to be- Once, I was having lunch with some of my friends and two of them were from the philippenes. At one point they were talking to eachother and then they just started speaking Tagalog- they apologized and explained that it was easier to explain to eachother what they were talking about in Tagalog instead of trying to put it into english (they weren't talking to us at that point anyway, so i didn't care). But yeah, if Spanish is their first language and they're around people that also speak spanish maybe it's just easier for them to speak their language. Imagine if you had to speak spanish or whatever foreign language you took in high school for the majority of your day- it would probably be a relief to have the opportunity to speak what comes naturally to you. MY SOLUTION: How about you ask them to teach you spanish- at least that's what I would do =D. You could really learn a lot- it's better and easier to learn from someone who actually grew up speaking spanish than from a textbook or something. And at the same time, you guys will have an opportunity to "bond" and hang out. Good luck!

Answer 3

No. It would be a clear violation of the first amendment.

Some employers do restrict the usage of other languages in the work place, however it is not a law.

There have been some attempts to pass a law to make English the official language of the US. Again, this would not affect the use of any other language in public.

Answer 4

No. Your friend is wrong.

There are 342 languages spoken in the United States.....none have every been outlawed.

Free speech is a Constitutional guarantee...and it doesn't say "every language except Spanish".

There is no kind of law, there never will be....that's like outlawing French or German or any other language.

Tell your co-worker she is mistaken.

Answer 5

Maybe. Politicians pass a lot of stupid laws.

But the Supreme Court has already ruled in the issue, 90 years ago. People cannot be legally prevented from speaking any language they want. 1st Amendment protections.

So politicians can pass the law banning Spanish. But it's not legally enforceable. Just like they could pass a law requiring everyone to attend a Catholic Church mass. But it's not legally enforceable.

Answer 6

It does not take much for a bill to be considered by a legislature, it is quite another to actually turn a bill into law. The chance that it will be come law is almost zero.

Answer 7

Of course not. You are too gullible.
(Now there is a chance that Democrats in Congress may bring up a bill to outlaw speaking English, in public places.)
That would be no surprise.

Answer 8

Although I'd be all for it as far as work and business goes. But it is indeed unconstitutional and your co-worker is filling your head full of crap. I wouldn't worry about it.