A bill that would end Spanish's status as Puerto Rico's only official language is sailing through the legislature.
But opponents uneasy about the Americanization of the U.S. territory and the growing drive for U.S. statehood aren't letting the "Spanish-only" law die quietly. On Sunday, they plan a protest march to the capitol.The new governor, Pedro Rossello, leader of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, is leading the push to end the exclusive status the Spanish language has enjoyed for the past two years.
After a caustic debate, the Senate on Friday voted 18-9 to approve the so-called "English-also" bill, which would make both languages official.
The senators eliminated several clauses approved by the House to appease critics, including the stipulation that "the language used by the people of Puerto Rico to communicate is and will always be Spanish."
Differences between the Senate and House versions will be reconciled by a joint committee. Passage is considered assured, because Rossello's party won solid majorities in both chambers in the November elections.
Language and culture are top issues for Puerto Ricans, many of whom deplore the Americanization of the island. Spain colonized Puerto Rico and controlled it for 400 years before ceding it to the United States in 1898.
Puerto Ricans speak mostly Spanish among themselves, but most know some English. English is a required subject in the island's primary and secondary schools.
Most islanders also have lived in the United States or have relatives who have emigrated there.