BSL Act Now: British Sign Language Bill’s explanatory notes updated ahead of second reading

The explanatory note detailing the British Sign Language (BSL) Bill and its functions has been updated now it is in the Lords, it has been revealed.

The changes, made earlier this week ahead of its second reading on Friday, support earlier comments from Chloe Smith MP, the Minister for Disabled People.

She told MPs during the Bill’s third Commons reading last week: “The explanatory notes of the Bill will be updated to extend this recognition to tactile sign language, which is used and understood by some deafblind people, and to reflect the importance of BSL in deaf culture and community.”

The new explanatory notes for the Lords, which were published to coincide with the Bill’s first reading on Monday, refers to “a range of forms of British Sign Language used by Deafblind people in the UK”.

“[These include] tactile signing (for example, ‘hands-on’ signing or ‘Deafblind manual’ fingerspelling) and ‘visual frame’ signing.

“Deafblind people require the services of BSL interpreters who have been trained in the forms of British Sign Language used by Deafblind people,” it reads.

NEW: The #BSLBill had its first reading in the House of Lords this afternoon, when peers voted 'content' to progressing the Bill to its second reading, scheduled for Friday.

The first reading is often a formality, where the Bill is introduced and its long title read out. pic.twitter.com/ma2wzE6v9L

— Liam O'Dell (@LiamODellUK) March 21, 2022

Other changes to the explanatory notes include a line stating the Bill “does not affect the operation” of the BSL (Scotland) Act of 2015, and that regular reports on the UK Government’s work to ‘promote and facilitate’ BSL will be available in BSL and published on GOV.UK.

Clarification is also given on the “non-statutory board” of BSL signers, who would advise the Work and Pensions Secretary on guidance concerning “the promotion and facilitation” of the language.

It continues: “This board will convey the perspectives and priorities of those with lived experience, from BSL signers living across England, Scotland, and Wales.”

While Monday’s initial reading saw the BSL Bill formally introduced to the House of Lords, the second reading will be the first opportunity for peers to comment on the contents of the proposed legislation.

It’s understood the proceedings will begin at 10:30am, with live sign language interpretation of the debate available on the ParliamentLive.tv website.

Photo: Jessica Taylor/House of Lords/Flickr.

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.