It may be a technicality, but if it helps to derail this misguided, hateful and intolerant initiative, I’m all for it:

The Metro Law Department has been made aware of a legal technicality, which could potentially derail the proposed English Only charter amendment and prevent it from being on the ballot in November. Nashville attorney Gregg Ramos, of the firm North, Pursell, Ramos & Jameson, has called the department’s attention to the intricate wording of the Metro Charter on when proposed amendments can be submitted.

According to the charter, a petition-driven amendment proposal, like English Only, may only be submitted once every two years. “The council shall not adopt a resolution proposing amendments to this charter more often than twice during the term of office of members of said council,” the charter reads, “nor shall any such amendment or amendments be submitted by petition more often than once in each two years.”

“The council shall not adopt a resolution proposing amendments to this charter more often than twice during the term of office of members of said council,” the charter reads, “nor shall any such amendment or amendments be submitted by petition more often than once in each two years.” In 2006, Davidson County passed a petition-driven charter amendment, giving voters the power to approve property tax increases. The amendment passed on Nov. 7, 2006.

Normally I’d say such a close call should be overlooked. In the case of an amendment that benefits no one and hurts the city and some of its most vulnerable residents, though, I’m all for anything that will keep it from becoming law.