BSL Act 2022
Why the need?
The British Sign Language (BSL) Act is a piece of legislation that officially recognises British Sign Language as a language in its own right in the United Kingdom. The BSL Act 2022 was passed by the UK Parliament and received royal assent on April 28, 2022. This law acknowledges the importance of BSL for the Deaf community and seeks to promote its use in public life.
Key points of the BSL Act include:
- Recognition of BSL: British Sign Language is legally recognized as a language in England, Wales, and Scotland. It affirms that BSL is an essential communication tool for many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
- Government Obligations: The UK government and public sector bodies are encouraged to facilitate the use of BSL in public services and communication. This includes making government information and services more accessible to Deaf individuals by using BSL.
- Guidance and Reporting: The Act requires the Secretary of State to report regularly on the use of BSL in ministerial departments, and it promotes the issuance of guidance on best practices for BSL users.
- Inclusion in Public Services: The legislation is a step toward making public services more inclusive for the Deaf community by improving access to information and communication.
The BSL Act represents a significant milestone for Deaf rights in the UK and helps to raise awareness about the importance of sign language in ensuring equal access for Deaf people.