WESTMINSTER, Md. (WJZ/AP) –  The Carroll County Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 to send legislation that would make English the official language of the county to a public hearing.

One commissioner was not able to vote Thursday afternoon.

The proposal was introduced by Carroll County Commissioner Haven Shoemaker.

If it passes, Carroll would become the third Maryland locality to enact such legislation this year after Frederick and Queen Anne’s counties.

Under the proposed ordinance, official actions and official views coming from Carroll County would be in English. However, any county employee or elected official would still be able to communicate in any language for unofficial business.

David Rocah, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, says the English language is not in danger in Carroll. He calls the ordinance “pointless” and “mean-spirited.”

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)