BSL Act Now: Rally to take place in Parliament Square next week as Bill receives second reading

A rally is to take place in Parliament Square Gardens next Friday, when a Bill to officially recognise British Sign Language (BSL) receives its second reading in the House of Commons.

The demonstration – announced by David Buxton of the British Deaf Association’s (BDA) BSL Act Now campaign – will also include a speech from Labour MP Rosie Cooper, who first introduced the Bill to Parliament last year.

In a video shared to social media, Mr Buxton said “it’s really important” that Deaf and hearing people to get together for the rally.

“Meanwhile, inside Parliament, they will be debating the second reading of the BSL Bill. So we need to be outside, making some noise.

“We want our language, BSL, to finally be recognised. We want to make it happen,” he said.

Attendees are being encouraged to wear “bright, colourful gloves” at the event, which takes place from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

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A post shared by BSL Act Now Campaign (@bslactnowcampaign)

The announcement comes just days after Ms Cooper and Mr Buxton held a “well attended” virtual drop-in session about the BSL Act Now campaign with MPs.

The West Lancashire MP said: “I am delighted at the turnout and positive response to the Bill! It was fantastic to see so many MPs wanting to learn about BSL, the difficulties that Deaf people face and how my Bill hopes to improve this situation for all BSL users.  

“My deepest thanks go to the volunteers from the Deaf community that spoke to MPs today, and to their interpreters. This event was only possible because of the generosity they showed in sharing their experiences and explaining to MPs that this Bill is greatly needed.  

“It was also a pleasure to welcome Chloe Smith MP, Minister for Disabled People to the event and I have been encouraged by her engagement when developing this bill.  

“I am really hopeful we can get this Bill past the finish line and truly make a difference to people’s lives.” 

The BDA is also looking for volunteer stewards and interpreters to help with the rally, with those interested and available next Friday being asked to email the charity at BSLActNow@bda.org.uk.

The Limping Chicken’s Liam O’Dell will be live-tweeting updates from the BSL Bill’s second reading next Friday on Twitter, using the hashtag #BSLActNow.

Photo: BSL Act Now

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.