Scottish Parliament Pass Mark's BSL Bill
Scotland’s Deaf population is celebrating after Scottish Labour MSP Mark Griffin’s Bill on British Sign Language received the unanimous support of the Scottish Parliament and will now become law.
Experts have called it “the most progressive legislative step to promote signed language” in UK history, and it has united the Deaf community and MSPs of all political parties.
The Bill seeks to increase awareness of BSL and improve access to services available for Scotland’s Deaf and Deafblind population. Under the plans, Scottish Ministers will be required to develop a BSL National Plan for Scotland, with public authorities producing plans in line with the National Plan. While retaining collective responsibility of ministers, the Scottish Government will assign BSL to a minister, who will have responsibility for updating Parliament on the progress of the National Plan and the public authority plans, highlighting best practice and naming and shaming those who were failing to take action. A National Advisory Board made up predominately of BSL users will also be established to advise Government Ministers on the National Plan.
Speaking after the passage of his Bill, Mark Griffin said:
“I am absolutely delighted that the Scottish Parliament has united to pass my BSL Bill. It has been a long process, with a terrific level of input from BSL users, Deaf organisations and other stakeholders, from across Scotland and beyond.
“BSL is the first language of many Deaf and Deafblind people in Scotland. It is the only language some have ever known, or ever will know, yet getting access to basic information in BSL is incredibly difficult. Simple things that so many hearing people take for granted, such as arranging doctor appointments, or reporting a crime to the police, are incredibly difficult for those who communicate in BSL. This has to change, and I am confident that having passed this Bill, we can begin to break down the barriers facing Deaf and Deafblind people on a daily basis.”
Professor Graham Turner, Director of the Centre for Translation & Interpreting Studies in Scotland, added:
“This is the most progressive legislative step to promote signed language that the UK has ever seen. What's more, it perfectly reflects the collaborative, participatory nature of Scottish public life. BSL users have always been ready to make a distinctive contribution to society, and by promoting their language, Scotland will enable this to happen.”
Heather Gray, National Deaf Children’s Society Director (Scotland and Northern Ireland), said:
“The British Sign Language (Scotland) Bill marks an historic moment for the deaf community in Scotland, many of whom have British Sign Language as their first or preferred language. The National Deaf Children’s Society strongly believes this landmark legislation will become a key driver in Scotland towards more effective service provision, better opportunities, and improved life chances for deaf children and young people.”
Janis McDonald, Chief Officer of the Scottish Council on Deafness added:
“The Scottish Council on Deafness is strongly supportive of the efforts of Mark Griffin MSP. The Bill is focussed on promoting and supporting the development of British Sign Language (BSL) and now that is has passed will take us all a step closer to a more inclusive society.”
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