MPs support Bill to give British Sign Language legal status

A PROPOSAL to give British Sign Language legal recognition and enhance its use in public services has been backed by the Government.

- Martina Betteto

The measures are included in a Private Members’ Bill that has the backing of Strictly Come Dancing champion and EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.

The British Sign Language Bill was given an unopposed second reading in the Commons after securing Government support.

Although BSL was recognised as a language in its own right in 2003, it has no legal protection.

Labour MP Rosie Cooper, who put forward the Bill, said making BSL a legally recognised language would send a clear message to every deaf person that “their language is equal and should be treated as equal”.