British Sign Language Bill set to become law

At the start of the year, we talked about how Bright Sign Language was on course to become a Legally recognised language of the UK.

Well, yesterday the Government announced that The British Sign Language Bill, a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Rosie Cooper MP last year and backed by the government, received its third reading in the House of Lords, allowing for Royal Assent and to officially become law.

A momentous day

The Bill was first introduced by Labour MP Rosie Cooper, who grew up with two deaf parents.

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.”

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 British Sign Language 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.”

What does it actually mean for British Sign Language?

British Sign Language was recognised as an ‘official’ language by the UK government in 2003, but it has no legal protections such as those of Welsh or Gaelic, for example.

The BSL Act will recognise BSL as a language of England, Wales and Scotland in its own right.

This bill means BSL will be promoted more when making public service announcements, improving accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing people.

It will also see the launch of an advisory board of BSL users to offer guidance to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on how and when to use it and look at increasing the number of BSL interpreters.

Above all, the British Sign Language bill it will improve the lives of deaf people and will encourage organisations across the nation to take up the BSL mantle, benefiting both themselves and the deaf community.