English-only measure fails, group says

NASHVILLE, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- An English-only measure in Nashville has failed, said the opposition Nashville for All of Us group.

The Nashville Tennessean reported Thursday that with two-thirds of precincts reporting, there were 25,573 votes against the proposed amendment and 20,329 in favor.

The newspaper said the second measure on the ballot, which would allow more frequent changes to the Metro Nashville charter, was failing by about 11,000 votes.

The English-only measure would require all Metro Nashville government business be done in English.

The newspaper said if the referendum passed, the only possible government exceptions to the English-only law would be health and safety situations mandated by the City Council.