The Frederick County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday night to adopt an ordinance making English the county's official language, the Frederick News-Post has reported.

According to the newspaper, the board voted 4-1 to approve the law, which replaces a previous nonbinding resolution. The measure appears more symbolic than substantive, and does not override federal or state laws requiring the use of other languages in certain circumstances. Nor does it prevent county officials from using other languages in emergencies or to communicate with criminal suspects.

The ordinance was criticized by advocates for immigrants but defended by the conservative majority on the board led by Republican Commission President Blaine Taylor. David P. Gray, a Republican like all five commissioners, dissented, saying the measure "turns back the clock."

Young said he has heard mostly support for the action from county residents. "I do not see what the big deal is," he told the News-Post.