Judge tells moms in custody cases to learn English
 

A Wilson County child-court judge has been ordering foreign-born women to learn English for the good of their children — an action that some regard as unconstitutional.

In a case this week, Judge Barry Tatum insisted that an 18-year-old Mexican woman take language classes and consider using birth control.

Tatum said his admonition didn't come out of malice or the urge to Americanize an immigrant. Instead, the judge said he worried that the woman's 2-year-old daughter would miss out on opportunities because of her mother's inability to communicate in English.

''A parent has the right to raise a child the way they see fit, but government gets involved at some point,'' Tatum said. ''I'm concerned about the civil rights of the child and what will happen to her.''

The immigrant woman and her American-born toddler both entered the state's custody in 2003.

A complaint was made to state child protection officials, accusing the mother of neglecting her baby by not following up on immunizations and other shots, said K. Danielle Edwards, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Children's Services.

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http://www.tennessean.com/local/arch...nt_ID=64800164

I have to agree with him. I don't think a judge should be able to terminate a woman's parental rights because she doesn't speak English, but I don't think it was out of bounds for Judge Tatum to suggest that this woman learn English. She'll be able to be a much more involved parent if there's not a language barrier between her and her children's doctors, teachers, coaches, etc.

As for the suggestion that the woman use birth control, I'd suggest that to any woman who's having trouble taking care of her children. Until she can handle the children she already has, she has no business having more. Now, if they're Catholic and it directly violates their religious beliefs, then I'd encourage them to look into the rhythm method or some other Papally-approved contraception.

I'd have to disagree with him suggesting birth control. Last thing that I want to do is have to petition the state to have a child.

Yea, let's just everyone enter the custody of the state as well as take up some welfare. Of course an opinion like this will not be ordered against anyone in this country, you gotta admit some people need this kind of lecturing if they are headed down an ugly road.

Learning English is a great idea, hardly a punishment to the mother and will do exactly what the judge suggests. As long as she can say "I have a job" in English, she's OK by me:)


RUgreek

Someone already did; England won - not Spain or France.