EDCOUCH, Texas (AP) - A South Texas town has abolished an
anti-Hispanic segregation law more than seven decades after it was
enacted.
The law in Edcouch (EHD'-kowch), Texas, banned "Spanish or
Mexican" residents who were not servants or maids from occupying
"any building on the American side or portion" of the
once-divided town. The vote by the Board of Aldermen to abolish the
law was unanimous.
The town is now majority Hispanic and one alderman says the law
should have been abolished long ago.
The 2000 Census found more than 97 percent of Edcouch's
population was Latino.
When the rule was enacted in 1931, a virtual line was drawn
through the center of the city. The ordinance prescribed a fine of
up to $100 for violators.


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)