A Bill currently before the House of Commons has received cross-party support to ensure that British Sign Language (BSL) becomes an official language of Great Britain.
The proposal, sponsored by the Labour MP, Rosie Cooper, will also put a duty on UK Government departments to facilitate the use of BSL in its communications with the public.
Ms Cooper grew up as a hearing child of deaf parents and recalled the difficulties they had during a debate in Parliament.
This legal recognition will benefit around 90,000 residents across the UK whose primary form of communication is BSL. It is believed that around 150,000 individuals can use BSL.
Officially the British Sign Language Bill, it has the support of Strictly Come Dancing winner, and user of BSL, Rose Ayling-Ellis.
However, technically the Bill will not extend to Northern Ireland as both British and Irish Sign Language are used.
The new laws passed another parliamentary hurdle on Friday 28th January which also had the support of Borders MP, John Lamont.
John Lamont MP said:
“It is always great to work cross-party in the House of Commons. This is another great example of that, and will really make a difference for users of British Sign Language.
“Rose Ayling-Ellis made a huge impression on the nation last year by winning Strictly Come Dancing and giving us all an insight into what it is like to be deaf.
“Since the autumn, searches for information about sign language have risen by almost 500 per cent and the BSL Courses website reported an increase of almost 3,000 per cent in sign-ups for its free training programmes – a truly remarkable uptake.
“Given this protection in UK law, users of BSL will receive more support from government departments and will ultimately become fully included in our society.”
John Lamont MP added “I was particularly moved when I left Parliament to see a large number of sign language users gather in Parliament Square to welcome the passage of this new legislation. Unlike other gatherings and demonstrations in Parliament Square, they were completely silent as they were communicating in sign language.”
