Tens of thousands of British Sign Language (BSL) users are anticipating a momentous day on Wednesday as a Bill that will see BSL become a recognised language in Britain is expected to clear its final hurdle on the way to becoming law.
The British Sign Language Bill, a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Rosie Cooper MP last year and backed by the Government, will receive its third reading in the House of Lords on April 27 before it passes into law following Royal Assent.
The BSL Act will recognise BSL as a language of Scotland, England and Wales in its own right.
It is also supported by a duty on the Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to regularly report on what each relevant government department has done to promote or facilitate the use of BSL in its communications with the public.
The Act further places a requirement on the DWP Secretary of State to issue guidance to departments on the promotion and facilitation of BSL.
The guidance will be developed together with D/deaf BSL signers.
Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Chloe Smith MP, said: “Today is a momentous day and I truly hope it will transform the lives of D/deaf people across the country.
“The BSL Bill will help remove barriers faced by the D/deaf community in daily life and is a further welcome step towards a more inclusive and accessible society.
“I am so grateful to the efforts of Rosie Cooper MP and the wonderful campaigners who have brought the BSL Bill to the point of passing into law and I’m proud to have played a small part in its journey.”
Rosie Cooper MP said: “At long last, the Deaf community will be able to say that their language is legally recognised.
“Working across party lines and with the Deaf community, I really believe we have made history by creating a mechanism for Deaf people to achieve equal access to public services. Their voices will be heard loud and clear and there will be no excuse for failing to respect BSL as a language.
“The hard work doesn’t stop here however, but the door is now open for the Deaf community make real progress fixing the injustices that they continue to face.”
David Buxton, Chair of the British Deaf Association, said: “We are extremely pleased to see the UK Parliament finally vote to recognise British Sign Language as a language of Great Britain in law, after 19 long years of campaigning.
“Today is a historic day for the Deaf community in the UK, and an inspiration for other countries around the world where the national sign language has not yet been recognised in law.
“The British Deaf Association looks forward to working hand in hand with the Government and civil servants to implement and monitor the progress of the BSL Act 2022.
“While today is a day to celebrate, we are aware that this marks the first step on a long path towards providing truly equal access to public services, information and opportunities for Deaf BSL users in Great Britain.”
The BSL Bill was first introduced on June 16, 2021 and passed through the House of Commons on March 17, 2022, receiving unanimous cross-party support.
The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work has worked closely with Labour MP Rosie Cooper and D/deaf people’s charities and organisations, such as the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) and the British Deaf Association (BDA), to ensure the Bill effectively meets the needs of those who will benefit most.
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