Post by Okwes on Apr 6, 2008 12:37:45 GMT -5
House speaker apologizes to Cherokee chief
Friday, April 4, 2008
Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge, a Republican, apologized to Cherokee
Nation Chief Chad Smith for Smith's treatment at a hearing on a controversial
English-only bill.
Smith was prevented from speaking about Senate Bill 163. When he tried to
address the issue, he was threatened with ejection by the chairman of the House
General Government and Transportation Committee.
"I did express to the chief that it was unfortunate he was not able to give
his opinion," Benge, who is Cherokee, told The Tulsa World.
The bill makes English the official language of government business in
Oklahoma. Rep. Randy Terrill, a Republican, says he included a provision to
protect Native languages.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge, a Republican, apologized to Cherokee
Nation Chief Chad Smith for Smith's treatment at a hearing on a controversial
English-only bill.
Smith was prevented from speaking about Senate Bill 163. When he tried to
address the issue, he was threatened with ejection by the chairman of the House
General Government and Transportation Committee.
"I did express to the chief that it was unfortunate he was not able to give
his opinion," Benge, who is Cherokee, told The Tulsa World.
The bill makes English the official language of government business in
Oklahoma. Rep. Randy Terrill, a Republican, says he included a provision to
protect Native languages.