8 November 2024

Dear colleagues

British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Bill: Consultation

On 19 June 2024, the Welsh Parliament agreed that I could introduce proposals for a new law in Wales, called the British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Bill.

The purpose of the Bill is to make provision to promote and facilitate the use of BSL and its tactile forms in Wales; improve access to education, health and public services in BSL and, support the removal of barriers that exist for deaf people and their families in education, health, public services, support services and in the workplace. The Bill will also work towards ensuring that people who use BSL are not treated less favourably than those who speak Welsh or English, with a proposal to establish a BSL Commissioner with the same powers as other minority languages. 

As part of the process, I now have until 19 July 2025 to introduce a Bill that meets that purpose. My proposed law will then be scrutinised in detail by the Senedd, before a final decision is taken on whether it should become law. If passed, the Bill would become the British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Act.

I am now consulting as widely as possible on my proposal. The attached consultation document provides further background information and asks a number of questions about the proposal and how it might be developed. I want everyone who could be affected by this proposed Bill, who has views on it or has expertise, to contribute. I will consider all responses, which I hope will help inform my approach to drafting the Bill.

I would, therefore, be very grateful if you could find the time to contribute to this consultation and let me have your or your organisation’s views on the proposed Bill and what it is seeking to achieve. I look forward to receiving any comments you wish to make by Friday 17 January 2025.

Thank you for your time.

Yours faithfully

Mark Isherwood MS

Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales