Debate contribution: Sign Language Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Ms Cheryl Brownlee on 18 February 2025.

MLA: Ms Cheryl Brownlee
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 18 February 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Executive Committee Business
Heading: Sign Language Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 4806674

Text

After the conversation earlier, I feel so privileged to contribute to this debate. Today, we mark a significant moment for the deaf community here in Northern Ireland with the Second Stage of the Sign Language Bill. It is not just a Bill but the result of years of tireless campaigning, advocacy and collaboration between government and our deaf community. It is a statement that sign language is valued, recognised and protected as a language of Northern Ireland. For decades, the deaf community have fought for official recognition of their language. Today, we take a significant step towards ensuring that there is equal access to information and services for sign language users in Northern Ireland. The principle that guides the Bill has been clear from the outset: nothing about us without us. I am so pleased to see that the Department has worked hand in hand with our deaf community to co-design the policy, ensuring that the Bill reflects their needs, their lived experience and, of course, their rights. The Bill has been a long time in the making. Work began as far back as 2004. Finally, on 23 January 2025, Minister Lyons formally secured Executive approval for the introduction of the Bill. At its core, the Bill will officially recognise and promote BSL and ISL as languages of Northern Ireland, ensuring that they are afforded the respect and status that they truly deserve. It ensures greater accessibility to public services and information by strengthening the infrastructure of interpreters and translators, and it commits to continuing engagement with the deaf community through the sign language partnership group, ensuring that their voices remain central to the legislation as it takes effect. It is essential that future investment is provided to increase availability of qualified interpreters and translators to provide greater accessibility to public services and information, ensuring that the deaf community is not excluded from anything; rather, that sign language becomes the norm.
The principle is clear: access to services begins with information. I am so pleased that the Minister has treated that as a priority and delivered it. I am hopeful and excited about the prospect of positive and significant change.
The Bill ensures that our deaf community can access public services, information and opportunities on an equal footing with everyone else. It empowers the community, strengthens inclusivity and affirms the right to linguistic and cultural identity. It is cross-cutting, and its success will, of course, depend on cooperation and support across all Departments and public bodies. That will take time, investment and commitment, but it is a necessity and a long-overdue step towards a more equal and inclusive Northern Ireland.

440 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification