The MP with two deaf parents who campaigned for her “first language” BSL to be recognised in law will finally get her wish today.
The British Sign Language Bill, first introduced by Labour MP Rosie Cooper, is expected to pass through its final stages in the House of Lords today and receive Royal Assent.
When the bill becomes law, it will formally recognise BSL as a language in England, Wales and Scotland.
Ms Cooper spoke in the Commons about how she had to speak to doctors at 15 years old to find out if her deaf mother had breast cancer.
She said: “BSL is my first language and I have to tell you, hearing children of deaf parents grow up fast.
“They have to shoulder a responsibility well beyond their years and that’s not fair. We do it willingly – I never knew any different – but we have a chance to help with that.”
BSL was recognised as a language by the Government in 2003 but the new law will give formal backing to its 151,000 users, including 87,000 deaf people.
Ms Cooper hopes the law will make deaf people “able to say that their language is legally recognised.”
And beloved Strictly winner Rose Ayling-Ellis told The Big Issue: “If BSL becomes an official language, which we’ve been fighting for all these years, it will be so emotional for us.
“Because of the massive interest in BSL recently, a lot of people don’t realise how much of a fight the deaf community have had.”
The Act will put a duty on the Department of Work and Pensions to report on the government’s action to use BSL when communicating with the public.
Chloe Smith MP, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, said: “Today is a momentous day and I truly hope it will transform the lives of deaf people across the country.
“The BSL Bill will help remove barriers faced by the deaf community in daily life and is a further welcome step towards a more inclusive and accessible society.”
The law does not extend to Northern Ireland, where equality is devolved.
