North Wales MS and Chair of the Senedd Cross Party Group on Deaf Issues, Mark Isherwood, has described today's passing of his British Sign Language (Wales) Bill as a "momentous occasion" and said once implemented the legislation "will firmly place Wales as a leading nation in how BSL policy is designed and delivered for the benefit of the Deaf community".
Speaking in today's meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood said it was "an absolute privilege" to move the Stage 4 motion for the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill, "an occasion which I am very proud to be a part of".
He said:
"This British Sign Language (Wales) Bill has been a long time in the making, shaped by persistence and steady progress over several years.
"The journey for me began back in October 2018, when delegates and Deaf Community members at the North Wales Lend Me Your Ears Conference came together to call for dedicated British Sign Language legislation in Wales.
"That momentum continued in February 2021, when the Senedd voted to note my proposal for a Bill aimed at promoting the use of BSL, and strengthening access to education and public services through the language.
"That vote sent a clear message: there was strong, Cross-Party support for this ambition.
"During this Senedd term, in late 2022, Members once again endorsed the principle of a proposed BSL (Wales) Bill, reaffirming the earlier commitment.
"Then, after being successful in the Member’s Bill Ballot, the Senedd voted in June 2024 to allow me to bring this legislation forward.
"I am delighted to now stand here today – at the Bill’s final Stage – and thank everyone who has contributed to this."
Mr Isherwood stressed that British Sign Language is fundamental to communication and inclusion in everyday life.
He added:
"For many Deaf people, it is not simply a means of communication but their first language — the primary way they express themselves, connect with others, and access the services they rely upon.
"BSL also plays a vital role in bringing Deaf and hearing communities together, helping to remove barriers and foster greater understanding.
"And yet, too often, Deaf people are still prevented from accessing essential public services because those services are not available in the language they use every day.
"This Bill will put in place a framework to help ensure that position changes.
"This is without doubt, the most progressive BSL legislation in the UK – and once implemented will firmly place Wales as a leading nation in how BSL policy is designed and delivered for the benefit of the Deaf community."
Mr Isherwood stressed that the legislation is vital.
He said:
"The importance of the legislation is highlighted by the overwhelming support I have received from Members across the Chamber, and from Government.
"It has been my honour to bring forward this Bill, and I ask Members to continue their support and vote for the Bill to be passed by the Senedd today."
Mr Isherwood's Bill is the 6th Member Bill to be passed in the Assembly/Senedd since 1999.
Following the Debate on Stage 4 of the BSL (Wales) Bill, Mr Isherwood joined Deaf community members from across Wales for their celebratory event in Cardiff Bay, which he spoke at.
