CONCORD, N.H.—A movement to make English the nation’s official language has been denounced as racist, un-American and insulting to a nation of immigrants.

”What we are dealing with today is prejudice. The most dangerous kind of prejudice because it is wrapped in patriotism,” said Real P. Gilbert, president of Action For Franco-Americans of the Northeast.

Gilbert, who said New Hampshire’s 1 million residents include 275,000 of French descent, testified Friday at a House hearing on a resolution to urge Congress to designate English at the official language of the United States.

Gilbert noted 60,000 state residents speak French at home.

Civil libertarians and representatives of Franco-American community criticized the proposal as offensive to the nation’s diverse ethnic heritage and a sign of what they called the nation’s growing intolerance.

”This is such an insidious and insulting piece of legislation,” said Claire Ebel of the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union. ”It is an affront to every one of us who came to this country and spoke a different language.”

Pointing to recent race-related incidents in Georgia and New York, activist Arnold Alpert said the bill reflects a ”rising tide of intolerance” across the nation.

”The bill before you today…is the civilized side of American racism,” he said.

The resolution, heard by a House committee, urges the state’s congressional delegation to support legislation to designate English as the official language which would encourage ”uniformity (and) preserve national unity.”

The proposal is similar to California’s English language initiative, approved last November, which requires that state government conduct its business in English. Proponents said eight states have enacted similar proposals.

Opponents far outnumbered supporters of the New Hampshire proposal.

Rep. Roger Stewart, R-Lincoln, sponsor of the non-binding proposal, said the resolution is not aimed at outlawing the use of foreign languages or bilingual education.

”In no way are we saying we don’t want these people speaking the French language,” Stewart said. ”But I feel if they are going to enjoy the benefits of being a citizen, they should know English as well.”

Stewart said it is in the country’s national security interests to encourage English. ”I can’t imagine anything worse than being in a foxhole with someone who speaks English and another who doesn’t.”

Rep. Mildred Ingram, R-Acworth, said she had no quarrel with new citizens who learn the language, but complained about ”a bunch of agitators who are too lazy to learn our language.”

Rep. George Baker, D-Hudson, read a statement from the American Legion in support of efforts to designate English the official language. ”Let’s face it,” Baker said. ”It’s to everyone’s benefit to learn the English language.”

However, Paul Pare of Rochester said recognition of English as the official language would ignore his cultural heritage. ”You’re telling me and my wife and my children that we are second-class citizens,” he said.

Questions over the unclear impact of the resolution were lightly addressed in an exchange between Pare and Rep. Ednapearl Parr, R-Hampton, who chaired the hearing.

”You French-speaking people are going to have to give us a lesson in French pronunciation,” Parr said after struggling with several names.

”Well, if you pass this resolution, we may not be able to,” Pare responded.

The committee is expected to vote on the resolution in early February.



Comments are closed.