Legal recognition of sign languages

Argentine Sign Language was officially recognized by the government of Argentina in 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-17 |title=Se aprobó la ley de Reconocimiento de la Lengua de Señas Argentina. |url=https://digital.fenascol.org.co/se-aprobo-la-ley-de-reconocimiento-de-la-lengua-de-senas-argentina/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331114319/https://digital.fenascol.org.co/se-aprobo-la-ley-de-reconocimiento-de-la-lengua-de-senas-argentina/ |archive-date=2024-03-31 |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=FENASCOL Digital |language=es}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1eI4mdq0MI |title=VOTACIÓN RECONOCIMIENTO LENGUA DE SEÑAS - SESIÓN 13-04-23 |language=en |access-date=2024-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331114316/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1eI4mdq0MI |archive-date=2024-03-31 |url-status=live |via=www.youtube.com}}

Auslan was recognised by the Australian government as a "community language other than English" and the preferred language of the Deaf community in 1987 and 1991 policy statements. Although the recognition does not ensure the provision of services in Auslan, its use in Deaf education and by Auslan-English interpreters is becoming more common.

{{cquote|It is now increasingly recognised that signing deaf people constitute a group like any other non-English speaking language group in Australia, with a distinct sub-culture recognised by shared history, social life and sense of identity, united and symbolised by fluency in Auslan, the principal means of communication within the Australian Deaf Community.|||Australia's Language: The Australian Language and Literacy Policy (page 20). (Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, 1991)}}

Austrian Sign Language (Österreichische Gebärdensprache, or ÖGS) was recognised by the Austrian Parliament in 2005. On 1 September 2005, the Constitution of Austria was amended to include a new article: §8 (3) Die Österreichische Gebärdensprache ist als eigenständige Sprache anerkannt. Das Nähere bestimmen die Gesetze. ("Austrian Sign Language is recognised as an independent language. The laws will determine the details.")Krausneker, Verena (2006) Taubstumm bis gebärdensprachig. Die österreichische Gebärdensprachgemeinschaft aus soziolinguistischer Perspektive. Verlag Drava.

Belgium's Parliament of the French Community recognised French Belgian Sign Language (LSFB) by decree in October 2003. The recognition entails:

1. cultural (symbolic) recognition
2. the formation of a commission to advise the Government of the French Community in all LSFB-related matters

According to the Décret relatif à la reconnaissance de la langue des signes (Decree on the Recognition of Sign Language),{{Cite web |title=Relatif à la reconnaissance de la langue des signes |language=fr |publisher=Parlement de la communauté française |date=19 September 2003 |trans-title=Related to sign language recognition |url=http://www.ffsb.be/doc/LS/decret_LS.pdf |access-date=2006-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927092446/http://www.ffsb.be/doc/LS/decret_LS.pdf#page=8 |archive-date=2006-09-27 |url-status=dead}} "It concerns a symbolic recognition that goes hand-in-hand with a general measure, permitting every minister to take action in fields relative to his authority.""... il s'agit d'une reconnaissance cadre assortie d'une mesure d'exécution générale permettant à chaque ministre concerné de prendre les arrêtés d'application relevant de ses compétences ..."

Flemish Sign Language ({{langx|nl|Vlaamse Gebarentaal}} or VGT) was recognised on 24 April 2006 by the Flemish Parliament. The recognition entails:

1. a cultural (symbolic) recognition
2. the formation of a commission to advise the Flemish government on all VGT-related matters
3. funding of VGT research and development

{{blockquote|Cultural recognition entails that the Flemish Government recognises the Flemish Sign Language as the language of the Deaf Community in Flanders. This 'recognition' encompasses the following three meanings: (1) the Flemish Government acknowledges the correctness of the fact that the Flemish Sign Language is the language of the Deaf Community in Flanders, (2) the Flemish Government also accepts the existence of this language in the judicial domain and treats it accordingly and (3) the Flemish Government expresses its respect for this language.{{cite web|quote="Die 'erkenning' omvat hierbij de drie betekennissen van het woord: (1) de Vlaamse overheid bevestigt de juistheid van het feit dat de Vlaamse Gebarentaal de taal is van de Dovengemeenschap in Vlaanderen, (2) de Vlaamse overheid aanvaardt het bestaan van die taal ook op juridisch vlak en behandelt ze als dustanig en (3) de Vlaamse overheid uit haar waardering voor deze taal."|url=http://jsp.vlaamsparlement.be/docs/stukken/2005-2006/g729-1.pdf |title=Decreet houdende de erkenning van de Vlaamse Gebarentaal (Decree on the recognition of Flemish Sign Language)}}}}

German Sign Language was legally recognised in 2019 by the Parliament of the German-speaking Community.{{Cite web |last=Gerardo |first=Benedikt Sequeira |date=2019-03-19 |title=Deutsche Gebärdensprache in Ostbelgien anerkannt |url=https://www.taubenschlag.de/2019/03/deutsche-gebaerdensprache-in-ostbelgien-anerkannt/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Taubenschlag |language=de}}

Although Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) was legally recognised in 2002, a 2005 law stipulated that it could not replace written Portuguese.[http://planalto.gov.br/CCIVIL_03/LEIS/2002/L10436.htm 24 April 2002 law].[http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2004-2006/2005/decreto/d5626.htm Brazilian decree nº 5626, 22 December 2005]. The language must be taught as a part of the speech-language pathology curriculum, and LIBRAS is an elective undergraduate subject.

Maritime Sign Language (MSL), which derives from British Sign Language, is moribund in Canada's Maritime provinces.{{cite news |first=Emma |last=Davie |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/preserving-maritime-sign-language-msl-deaf-community-1.5402328 |title=How the deaf community is preserving Maritime Sign Language |publisher=CBC News |date=31 December 2019}} It is not officially recognised, and has been replaced by ASL in schools. The Halifax School for the Deaf, which operated from 1856 to June 1961, taught in MSL; after that, the Interprovincial School for the Education of the Deaf (later renamed the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority, or APSEA) in Amherst, Nova Scotia, took over until it closed in 1995.{{Cite book |last=Marsh |first=James H. |date=1999 |title=The Canadian Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wR_-aSFyvuYC&pg=PA640 |location=Toronto, Ontario |publisher=McClelland & Stewart Inc. |page=640 |isbn=9780771020995 |access-date=16 April 2020}}

Inuit Sign Language (IUR), used in Canada's Arctic communities, was developed locally by families and communities for their deaf families and community members.

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA), passed on 21 June 2019, recognised "American Sign Language (ASL), Quebec Sign Language and Indigenous sign languages (...) as the primary languages for communication by deaf persons in Canada."{{Cite web |url=https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/A-0.6/page-1.html |title=Accessible Canada Act S.C. 2019, c. 10 |publisher=Canadian Ministry of Justice |date=21 June 2019 |access-date=16 April 2020}}

The ACA only recognises ASL at the federal level.{{cite web |url=https://access4disabilities.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Why-An-Accessible-Alberta-Act-Final.pdf |title=Why An Accessible Alberta Act?: The status of accessibility policy in Canada and what is needed to support Albertans with disabilities |last1=Hertel |first1=Dustin |last2=Petit |first2=Matthieu |year=2020 |website=access4disabilities.org |publisher=Alberta Accessibility Legislation Advisory Group |access-date=2024-09-04 |quote=A reported shortcoming of the ACA as federal legislation, it only applies to federally regulated entities and therefore has limited scope. That means private businesses and public spaces not directly controlled by the federal government will see no change for people with disabilities. An average person has vastly more interactions with private businesses than with the public service.}}

• Alberta
• The Legislative Assembly passed a motion recognising ASL as a language of instruction.{{cite web|url=https://docs.assembly.ab.ca/LADDAR_files/docs/houserecords/mo/legislature_22/session_2/19900308_1200_01_mo.pdf |last= |first= |year=1990 |title=Order Paper |location=Edmonton |publisher=Alberta Legislative Assembly |page=3}}
• Manitoba
• Manitoba has legally recognised ASL since 1988.{{cite web |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/deaf-culture |title=Deaf Culture |last1=Carbin |first1=Clifton F. |last2=Smith |first2=Dorothy L. |date=2013-12-16|orig-date=2006-02-07 |website=www.thecanadianencyclopedia |publisher=The Canadian Encyclopedia |access-date=2024-09-04 |quote=In 1988, Manitoba became the first province to officially do so, followed by Alberta in 1990.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705105700/https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/deaf-culture|archive-date=2024-07-05}}
• Ontario
• The Ontario Education Act sanctions the use of ASL and Langue des signes québécoise as languages of instruction in all schools for deaf students in Ontario.{{cite journal |last1=Snoddon |first1=Kristin |date=2020-12-09 |title=Sign language planning and policy in Ontario teacher education |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s10993-020-09569-7|journal=Language Policy |volume=20 |issue= 4|pages=577–598 |doi=10.1007/s10993-020-09569-7 |access-date=2024-09-04|url-access=subscription }}
• Saskatchewan
• The Accessible Saskatchewan Act recognises ASL and indigenous sign languages states that "Sign languages are recognized as the primary languages for communication by deaf persons in Saskatchewan"{{cite news |last=Koole |first=Marguerite |date=2024-04-22 |title= Saskatchewan recognized ASL and Indigenous sign languages as official languages — and resources are needed for services |url=https://theconversation.com/saskatchewan-recognized-asl-and-indigenous-sign-languages-as-official-languages-and-resources-are-needed-for-services-220366 |work=The Conversation|publisher=The Conversation Trust (UK) Limited |location= |access-date=2024-09-04}}
• Nunavut
• Nunavut considered giving Inuit IUR legal status.{{Cite news |date=2006-07-23 |title=Inuit sign language may get legal status in Nunavut |url=https://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/07/23/inuit-sign060723.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502000542/https://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/07/23/inuit-sign060723.html |archive-date=2008-05-02 |access-date=2025-03-02 |work=CBC}} IUR made its debut in the Nunavut legislature in 2008.{{cite news |date=2008-09-18 |orig-date=2008-09-17 |title=Inuit sign language makes debut in Nunavut legislature - CBC News |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/inuit-sign-language-makes-debut-in-nunavut-legislature-1.772092 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225190302/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/inuit-sign-language-makes-debut-in-nunavut-legislature-1.772092 |archive-date=2025-02-25 |access-date=2025-04-20 |work=CBC News}}

Chinese Sign Language has no formal legal protection.{{Cite journal |last1=Lai |first1=Zhuiwen |last2=Huang |first2=Zhengzong |last3=Wen |first3=Ya |last4=Feng |first4=Jinmei |date=2024-10-14 |title=Enhancing sign language recognition and accessibility for the deaf community in China |journal=Disability & Society |language=en |pages=1–6 |doi=10.1080/09687599.2024.2412271 |issn=0968-7599|doi-access=free }}

Chilean Sign Language ({{langx|es|Lengua de Señas Chilena}} or LSCh), was enacted as Law No. 20,422 in 2010 to ensure equal opportunity for disabled people. The law recognises sign language as the natural means of communication for the deaf community.[http://www.leychile.cl/Navegar?idLey=20422 Ley 20422 BCN LEGISLACIÓN CHILENA, 2010]

Czech Sign Language gained legal recognition with the passage of the Sign Language Law, 155/1998 Sb ("Zákon o znakové řeči 155/1998 Sb").{{cite web |date=2000-12-01 |title=ZÁKON ze dne 11. června 1998 o znakové řeči a o změně dalších zákonů - Sbírka zákonů - Nakladatelství Sagit, a.s |url=http://www.sagit.cz/pages/sbirkatxt.asp?zdroj=sb98155&cd=76&typ=r |access-date=11 September 2018 |publisher=Sagit.cz |language=cs}}

Cypriot Sign Language was recognised as a language equivalent to Greek.{{Cite journal |last1=Hadjikakou |first1=Kika |last2=Petridou |first2=Lenia |last3=Stylianou |first3=Chryso |date=2008-02-01 |title=The academic and social inclusion of oral deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Cyprus secondary general education: investigating the perspectives of the stakeholders |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08856250701791211 |journal=European Journal of Special Needs Education |language=en |volume=23 |issue=1 |pages=17–29 |doi=10.1080/08856250701791211 |issn=0885-6257|url-access=subscription }}

Danish Sign Language gained legal recognition on 13 May 2014. The Danish Parliament established the Danish Sign Language Council "to devise principles and guidelines for the monitoring of the Danish sign language and offer advice and information on the Danish sign language."{{cite web|url=http://www.dsn.dk/tegnsprog/about-the-danish-sign-language-council|title=The Danish Sign Language Council — Dansk Sprognævn|website=www.dsn.dk}}

The European Parliament unanimously approved a resolution about sign languages on 17 June 1988.{{cite web|url=http://www.policy.hu/flora/ressign2.htm |title=Published by: EUD |publisher=Policy.hu |access-date=2018-09-11}} The resolution suggests that all member states recognise their sign languages as official languages of the Deaf community.

{{blockquote|text=The European Parliament [...] calls on the Commission to make a proposal to the Council concerning official recognition of the sign language used by deaf people in each Member State.{{cite web|url=http://www.policy.hu/flora/ressign2.htm |title=European Parliament Resolution on Sign Languages 1988}}}}

The EP issued another resolution in 1998, with essentially the same content as the 1988 resolution.{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:51987IP0302:EN:NOT |title=Resolution on sign languages for the deaf|date=27 May 1987 |publisher=Eur-lex.europa.eu |access-date=11 September 2018}} A third resolution was passed in 2016. It was drafted by Helga Stevens, Europe's first deaf female MEP and president of the European Union of the Deaf from 2005 to 2007. The resolution, on sign language and professional sign-language interpreters, draws on Deaf studies and linguistics.[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2016-0442_EN.html Sign language and professional sign language interpreters]

French Sign Language has been recognised since 2005 under Act No. 2005-102.{{Citation |last1=Cantin |first1=Yann |title=9. The Societal and Political Recognition of French Sign Language (LSF) in France: 1970–2018 |date=2019-06-17 |work=TheLegal Recognition of Sign Languages: Advocacy and Outcomes Around the World |pages=145–158 |editor-last=De Meulder |editor-first=Maartje |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.21832/9781788924016-011/html |access-date=2025-03-01 |publisher=Multilingual Matters |language=en |doi=10.21832/9781788924016-011 |isbn=978-1-78892-401-6 |last2=Encrevé |first2=Florence |last3=L’Huillier |first3=Marie-Thérèse |editor2-last=Murray |editor2-first=Joseph J. |editor3-last=McKee |editor3-first=Rachel L.|url-access=subscription }}

Finnish Sign Language was recognised in the constitution in August 1995:

{{cquote|Section 17 - Right to one's language and culture [...] The rights of persons using sign language and of persons in need of interpretation or translation aid owing to disability shall be guaranteed by an Act.17 § Oikeus omaan kieleen ja kulttuuriin [...] Viittomakieltä käyttävien sekä vammaisuuden vuoksi tulkitsemisja käännösapua tarvitsevien oikeudet turvataan lailla. (Ministry of Justice, Finland: [https://web.archive.org/web/20030312135227/http://www.finlex.fi/linkit/ajansd/19990731000 Suomen perustuslaki].)|||[http://www.om.fi/uploads/54begu60narbnv_1.pdf The Constitution of Finland]}}

German Sign Language was officially recognised in April 2002, from the perspective of it being a language of a disability group, but not from the perspective of it being a language of a cultural minority.{{Cite web |last=Zante |first=Wille Felix |date=2025-01-27 |title=Grüne: Anerkennung der DGS als Minderheitensprache im Wahlprogramm! |url=https://www.taubenschlag.de/2025/01/gruene-dgs-als-minderheitensprache-im-wahlprogramm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250301203834/https://www.taubenschlag.de/2025/01/gruene-dgs-als-minderheitensprache-im-wahlprogramm/ |archive-date=2025-03-01 |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Taubenschlag |language=de}}{{Cite news |last=Zander |first=Thomas |date=2023-10-13 |title=Zweite Staatenprüfung Deutschlands |url=https://www.br.de/br-fernsehen/sendungen/sehen-statt-hoeren/dgs-anerkennung-als-amts-und-minderheitensprache-100.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719084225/https://www.br.de/br-fernsehen/sendungen/sehen-statt-hoeren/dgs-anerkennung-als-amts-und-minderheitensprache-100.html |archive-date=2024-07-19 |access-date=2025-03-01 |work=Bayerischen Rundfunks}}

Berlin has recognised German Sign Language in its equality legislation since 1999.{{Cite news |last1=Ruppert |first1=Holger |last2=Wolf |first2=Steffi |date=2024-12-31 |title=Anerkennung der Deutschen Gebärdensprache |url=https://www.br.de/br-fernsehen/sendungen/sehen-statt-hoeren/20-jahre-anerkennung-dgs-100.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429214708/https://www.br.de/br-fernsehen/sendungen/sehen-statt-hoeren/20-jahre-anerkennung-dgs-100.html |archive-date=2022-04-29 |access-date=2025-03-01 |work=Bayerischer Rundfunk}}

Greek Sign Language was recognised as an official language in 2000 and gained equal status with Modern Greek in 2017.{{Cite journal |last1=Vacalopoulou |first1=Anna |last2=Efthimiou |first2=Eleni |last3=Fotinea |first3=Stavroula-Evita |last4=Goulas |first4=Theodore |last5=Dimou |first5=Athansia-Lida |date=2018-07-04 |title=Making Online Educational Content Accessible in Greek Sign Language |url=http://library.iated.org/view/VACALOPOULOU2018MAK |journal=EDULEARN18 Proceedings |volume=1 |pages=7305–7310 |doi=10.21125/edulearn.2018.1714|isbn=978-84-09-02709-5 |url-access=subscription }}

Icelandic Sign Language was recognised by law in education in 2004:

{{cquote|This National Curriculum Guide contains, for the first time, provisions on special Icelandic instruction for students whose mother tongue is not Icelandic. There are also new provisions on special Icelandic instruction for deaf and hearing-impaired pupils and sign-language instruction for the deaf. The objectives for Icelandic instruction of immigrants and the deaf and of sign-language instruction fall under the subject area of language arts (Icelandic) in compulsory school. [...]

Sign language is of basic importance for the development of language, personality and thinking of deaf children. For the deaf, sign language is the most important source of knowledge and their route to participation in Icelandic culture and the culture of the deaf. Sign language is of great importance for all school work and for the pupils' life and work.Í aðalnámskrá grunnskóla eru í fyrsta sinn sett ákvæði um sérstaka íslenskukennslu fyrir nemendur með annað móðurmál en íslensku. Einnig eru ný ákvæði um sérstaka íslenskukennslu fyrir heyrnarlausa og heyrnarskerta nemendur og táknmálskennslu fyrir heyrnarlausa. Markmið fyrir íslenskukennslu nýbúa og heyrnarlausra og táknmálskennslu falla undir námssvið íslensku í grunnskóla. [...]

Táknmál hefur grundvallarþýðingu fyrir þroska máls, persónuleika og hugsunar heyrnarlausra nemenda. Hjá heyrnarlausum er táknmálið mikilvægasta uppspretta þekkingar og leið til að taka þátt í íslenskri menningu og menningu heyrnarlausra. Táknmálið hefur mikla þýðingu fyrir alla vinnu í skólanum og fyrir líf og starf nemendanna. (Ministry of Education, Science and Culture: [http://bella.stjr.is/utgafur/AGalmennurhluti.pdf Aðalnámskrá grunnskóla: Almennur hluti] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927194051/http://bella.stjr.is/utgafur/AGalmennurhluti.pdf |date=2007-09-27 }})|||4=[http://bella.mrn.stjr.is/utgafur/general.pdf#page=23 The National Curriculum Guide for Compulsory School (Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, 2004)] (official translation)}}

In June 2011, Icelandic Sign Language was officially recognized as a first language. In No. 61/2011 under Article 3 it states that "Icelandic sign language is the first language of those who have to rely on it for expression and communication, and of their children. The government authorities shall nurture and support it. All those who need to use sign language shall have the opportunity to learn and use Icelandic sign language as soon as their language acquisition process begins, or from the time when deafness, hearing impairment or deaf-blindness is diagnosed. Their immediate family members shall have the same right."{{cite web|publisher=Parliament of the Republic of Iceland|url=https://www.government.is/media/menntamalaraduneyti-media/media/frettir2015/Thyding-log-um-stodu-islenskrar-tungu-og-islensks-taknmals-desember-2015.pdf|title=Act on the Status of the Icelandic Language and Icelandic Sign Language|access-date=2018-02-23|date=2011-06-07}}

Although Indo-Pakistani Sign Language (IPSL) is officially unrecognised, it is used in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.{{Cite book |last=Evans |first=Nicholas |title=Reciprocals and Semantic Typology |year=2011 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U020QQv1Qn4C&pg=PA95 |location=Amsterdam & Philadelphia |publisher=John Benjamins Publishing |page=95 |isbn=9789027206794 |access-date=18 April 2020}}

The Irish Parliament passed the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 passed on 14 December 2017, and was signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins on 24 December of that year, giving Irish Sign Language legal recognition.{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/irish-sign-language-given-official-legal-recognition-1.3338081|title=Irish Sign Language given official legal recognition|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=2018-01-16|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2017/1224/929482-sign-language-bill/|title=President signs Irish Sign Language bill into law|date=2017-12-24|work=RTE.ie|access-date=2018-01-16|language=en}} Before 2017, there was no automatic right for deaf people to have an ISL interpreter except for criminal-court proceedings. ISL recognition provides more legal rights and better access to public services, including education, healthcare, media and banking.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/1213/927259-irish-sign-language/|title=Dáil passes 'historic' sign language legislation|date=2017-12-14|work=RTE.ie|access-date=2017-12-14|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/irish-sign-language-set-to-be-given-official-status-36407921.html|title=Irish Sign Language set to be given official status - Independent.ie|work=Independent.ie|access-date=2017-12-14|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/irish-sign-language-set-to-receive-official-recognition-818648.html|title=Irish sign language set to receive official recognition|date=2017-12-14|work=Breaking News|access-date=2017-12-14}}

Italian Sign Language (Lingua dei Segni Italiana, LIS) was recognised on 19 May 2021. Although opponents of LIS recognition say that it is not a language because it lacks grammar, its grammar has been studied.[http://michelebrunelli.interfree.it/GrammLIS_e_Restrittive.pdf Michele Brunelli: Grammatica della LIS] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722035622/http://michelebrunelli.interfree.it/GrammLIS_e_Restrittive.pdf |date=2011-07-22 }}

Japanese Sign Language was recognized as a language by the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities, which was enacted in 2011.[http://www.jfd.or.jp/en/2011/09/16/pid1488 "Sign Language Stated in Law!" at jfd.or.jp]; excerpt, "Every person with disabilities, wherever possible, shall be ensured opportunities to choose his or her language (including sign language) and/or other means of communication, and the expansion of opportunities to choose his or her means of acquiring or utilizing information shall be promoted."

In 2013, the first general sign language law was established in Tottori Prefecture. A proposal for a "Japanese Sign Language Act" that started in Hakusan City in Ishikawa Prefecture in 2013, reached unanimous support across the 1788 local legislatures.{{Cite web |date=2016-03-04 |title=Toward Adoption of "Japanese Sign Language Act" |url=https://en.nippon-foundation.or.jp/news/articles/2016/20160304-20997.html |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=The Nippon Foundation |language=en}}

The 2010 Constitution of Kenya recognises Kenyan Sign Language and, according to Article 7.3b, says that Kenya would promote its development and use. KSL is given official status in Article 120 (1), which says that "the official languages of Parliament are Kiswahili, English and Kenyan Sign Language and the business of Parliament may be conducted in English, Kiswahili and Kenyan Sign Language."{{Cite act |title=Constitution |pinpoint=ch. 8 § 120(1) |year=2010 |via=Kenya Law |jurisdiction=Kenya |url=http://kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/actview.xql?actid=Const2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105185029/http://www.kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/kenyalex/actview.xql?actid=Const2010 |archive-date=2024-01-05 |access-date=16 April 2020 |language=en}}

German Sign Language was recognised in 2018 as a language for which children have the right to access education in sign language in both secondary school and primary school, and family members were given the right to access up to 100 hours of sign language courses.{{Cite web |last=Gerardo |first=Benedikt Sequeira |date=2018-07-30 |title=Gebärdensprache in Luxemburg anerkannt |url=https://www.taubenschlag.de/2018/07/gebaerdensprache-in-luxemburg-anerkannt/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Taubenschlag |language=de}}

Maltese Sign Language ({{langx|mt|Lingwa tas-Sinjali Maltija}}, or LSM) was officially recognised by the Parliament of Malta in March 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/63266/parliament_gives_maltese_sign_language_official_recognition|title=Parliament gives Maltese sign language official recognition}}

Mexican Sign Language (lengua de señas mexicana, or LSM) was declared a "national language" in 2003, and it began use in public deaf education.{{cite act |title=Ley Federal para Prevenir y Eliminar la Discriminación |act-type=Decree |orig-date=Last amended 2024-04-01 |publication-date=2003-06-11 |reporter=DOF |firstpage=8 |url=https://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/ref/lfped.htm |language=es}} Deaf education in Mexico had focused on oralism (speech and lipreading), and few schools conducted classes in LSM.{{cite web |first1=Karla |last1=Faurot |first2=Dianne |last2=Dellinger |first3=Andy |last3=Eatough |first4=Steve |last4=Parkhurst |date=2001 |orig-date=1992, revised 1998 and 2001 |title=The identity of Mexican sign as a language |website=Summer Institute of Linguistics |url=http://www.sil.org/silesr/2000/2000-002/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006062641/http://www-01.sil.org/silesr/2000/2000-002/ |archive-date=2017-10-06}}

Although Nepali Sign Language has not been recognised as the official language of Nepal's deaf population, legislation is proposed which will bring Nepali law into line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

File:Nederlandse gebarentaal krijgt eindelijk een zichtbare plek in onze samenleving.webm

Dutch Sign Language ({{langx|nl|Nederlandse Gebarentaal}}, or NGT) was recognised by law in 2020. The Christian Union party introduced a bill to recognise NGT in 2010, but it did not pass.{{Cite news |url=https://www.ad.nl/nieuws/erken-nederlandse-gebarentaal-als-officiele-taal~a5a253f6/ |title=Erken Nederlandse gebarentaal als officiële taal |publisher=Algemeen Dagblad |date=3 October 2016 |access-date=17 April 2020 |language=nl}}

In October 2016, MPs Roelof van Laar (Labour Party) and Carla Dik-Faber (Christian Union) proposed a bill legally recognising NGT as an official language.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2016/10/03/gebarentaal-moet-erkend-worden-als-officiele-taal-a1524573|title=PvdA en CU: erken gebarentaal als officiële taal|author=Beila Heilbron|publisher=NRC Handelsblad|date=3 October 2016 |language=nl}} MP Attje Kuiken (Labour Party) took over the bill in September 2019 (after Van Laar's departure), and MP Jessica van Eijs (Democrats 66) joined Kuiken and Dik-Faber.{{Cite web |url=https://www.eerstekamer.nl/behandeling/20190927/brief_lid_fractie_brief_van_de/document3/f=/vl29hrq7v1yn.pdf |title=Voorstel van wet van de leden Van Laar en Dik-Faber ter erkenning van Nederlandse gebarentaal (Wet erkenning Nederlandse gebarentaal) |author=Attje Kuiken & Carla Dik-Faber |work=Brief van de leden Kuiken en Dik-Faber |publisher=Senate of the Netherlands |date=27 September 2019 |access-date=17 April 2020 |language=nl}}{{Cite news |url=https://nos.nl/nieuwsuur/artikel/2300498-initiatiefwet-nederlandse-gebarentaal-erkennen-als-officiele-taal.html |title=Initiatiefwet: Nederlandse Gebarentaal erkennen als officiële taal |author=Linda de Groot |work=Nieuwsuur |publisher=NOS |date=5 September 2019 |access-date=17 April 2020 |language=nl}} At the end of the month, the Advisory Division of the Council of State said that the text of the bill was still too vague and did not clarify which problems it intended to address and how it would do so; it asked if "the Deaf culture" mentioned in the bill also needed to be legally recognised and, if so, what that term entailed.{{Cite web |url=https://www.raadvanstate.nl/@117458/samenvatting-gebarentaal/ |title=Samenvatting advies initiatiefwetsvoorstel erkenning Nederlandse gebarentaal |publisher=Advisory Division of the Council of State |date=30 September 2019 |access-date=17 April 2020 |language=nl}}

New Zealand Sign Language became the country's third official language, joining English and Māori, when the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006 was passed in the New Zealand Parliament on 6 April 2006.McKee, R. 2007. The eyes have it! Our third official language–New Zealand Sign Language. Journal of New Zealand Studies, NS 4-5.129-148.{{cite act |title=New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006 |act-type=Public Act |year=2006 |prefix=No |index=18 |jurisdiction=New Zealand |url=https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2006/0018/latest/versions.aspx |access-date=2024-05-26 |pinpoint=Part 2 cl 6 |quote=New Zealand Sign Language is declared to be an official language of New Zealand }}

Macedonian Sign Language ({{langx|mk|Македонски знаковен јазик|translit=Makedonski znakoven jazik}}) is officially recognized as a "natural way of communication between people", and is regulated by a law which allows anyone in North Macedonia to study it. The law also ensures the right to an interpreter upon request.[http://www.deafmkd.org.mk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=82&lang=mk Закон за употреба на знаковниот јазик, Службен весник на Република Македонија, број 105, 21 август 2009, Скопје]

Norwegian Sign Language is recognised by law for education.{{Cite web |title=Separate special education needs provision in early childhood and school education |url=https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-education-systems/norway/separate-special-education-needs-provision-early-childhood-and |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu}} It is recognized as one of Norway's national languages.{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=Norwegian Sign Language - World Atlas of Languages |url=https://en.wal.unesco.org/countries/norway/languages/norwegian-sign-language |access-date=May 27, 2024 |website=World Atlas of Languages}}

Papua New Guinean Sign Language became the country's fourth official language in May 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/two-sign-languages-given-official-language-status|title=Two Sign Languages Given Official Language Status|work=SIL Global |date=23 February 2016}}

Article 3 of Republic Act No. 11106 declared Filipino Sign Language the country's national sign language, specifying that it be recognized, supported and promoted as the medium of official communication in all transactions involving the deaf and the language of instruction in deaf education.{{cite act |url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2018/10/30/republic-act-no-11106/ |title=The Filipino Sign Language Act |act-type=Republic Act |prefix=No. |index=11106|pinpoint= Sec. 3. Filipino Sign Language as the National Sign Language. |jurisdiction=Philippines |legislature=17th Congress, 3rd Session |date=30 October 2018}}{{cite web |author=Genalyn Kabiling |work=Manila Bulletin |title=Filipino Sign Language declared as nat'l sign language of Filipino deaf |date=12 November 2018 |url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/11/12/filipino-sign-language-declared-as-natl-sign-language-of-filipino-deaf/ |access-date=12 November 2018}}

Peru officially recognized Peruvian Sign Language as the country's national sign language by law in 2010.{{cite act |title=Ley Que Otorga Reconocimiento Oficial A La Lengua De Señas Peruanas |language=es |act-type=Law |prefix=No. |index=29535 |publication-date=2010-05-21 |reporter=El Peruano |volume=496850-2 |firstpage=419231 |jurisdiction=Peru |url=https://www2.congreso.gob.pe/Sicr/TraDocEstProc/TraDoc_expdig_2006.nsf/Sicr/TraDocEstProc/TraDoc_expdig_2006.nsf/Agenda/0D812CD3AD3EF1B5052574DA005212F9?opendocument |access-date=2024-05-26 }}{{Cite web |date=2020-12-06 |title=The Legal Recognition of National Sign Languages |url=https://wfdeaf.org/news/the-legal-recognition-of-national-sign-languages/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=WFD |language=en-US}}

{{cquote|Art. 74, 2 (h): In implementing the education policy, the state shall be charged with protecting and developing Portuguese sign language, as an expression of culture and an instrument for access to education and equal opportunities.Na realização da política de ensino incumbe ao Estado proteger e valorizar a língua gestual portuguesa, enquanto expressão cultural e instrumento de acesso à educação e da igualdade de oportunidades. (Assembleia da República: [http://www.parlamento.pt/const_leg/crp_port/index.html Constituição da república portuguesa] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809203630/http://www.parlamento.pt/const_leg/crp_port/index.html |date=2007-08-09 }}|||[http://www.parlamento.pt/ingles/cons_leg/crp_ing/ Constitution of Portugal]}}

Russian Sign Language ({{langx|ru|Русский жестовый язык|translit=Russkii zhestovyi yazyk}}) has had legal recognition since 2012.{{Cite web |title=Russian Sign Language {{!}} Minority languages of Russia |url=https://minlang.iling-ran.ru/en/lang/russian-sign-language |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=minlang.iling-ran.ru}} Since the federal Law on Protection of People with Disabilities passed and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was implemented, services in Russian Sign Language have been greatly expanded. A UN report in 2018 noted that, for example, between 40 and 240 hours of free interpretation are provided to each individual per year in Russia.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2018 |title=Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities examines the report of Russia |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2018/03/committee-rights-persons-disabilities-examines-report-russia |access-date=27 May 2024 |website=OHCHR}}

Slovak Sign Language was recognised in 1995 by law.Zákon o posunkovej reči nepočujúcich osôb 149/1995 Sb (Law of the Sign Language of the Deaf 149/1995).

{{Main|Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution of South Africa}}

Until 2023, South African Sign Language (SASL) was not specifically recognised as an official language by the country's constitution. The phrase "sign language" is used generically.Chapter 1 - Founding Provisions (1996). [http://www.info.gov.za/documents/constitution/1996/96cons1.htm#6 Original]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629092124/http://www.info.gov.za/documents/constitution/1996/96cons1.htm |date=2011-06-29 }}

On 13 November 2009, the Constitutional Review Committee met to explore the possibility of upgrading SASL to South Africa's 12th official language.{{Cite web |url=http://www.pmg.org.za/report/20091113-language-issues-proposed-recognition-south-african-sign-language-offi |title=Language issues: Proposed recognition of South African Sign Language as official language, Sepedi/ Sesotho sa Leboa issues: Briefings by Deaf SA, CRL Commission, Pan South African Language Board|access-date=19 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100515104619/http://www.pmg.org.za/report/20091113-language-issues-proposed-recognition-south-african-sign-language-offi |archive-date=2010-05-15 |url-status=dead }} In May 2022 the 18th Constitutional Amendment Bill to make SASL an official language was published for public comment.{{cite news |title=Signing set to become official language {{!}} eNCA |url=https://www.enca.com/news/recognition-sa-sign-12th-official-language-horizon |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=www.enca.com |date=29 May 2022 |language=en}} In May 2023 the bill was voted on by parliament, and on 19 July 2023 it was signed into law as the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Act of 2023.{{Cite web |title= President Cyril Ramaphosa: Signing ceremony of South African Sign Language Bill|url=https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-signing-ceremony-south-african-sign-language-bill-19-jul-2023 |via=gov.za}}

South African Sign Language is specifically recognised as a language that citizens should be able to access provincial services in 5 provinces through the following legislation:

• Northern Cape Use of Official Languages Act, 2013{{Cite book |url=https://lawlibrary.org.za/akn/za-nc/act/2013/5/eng@2014-03-05 |title=Northern Cape Use of Official Languages Act, 2013 |date=2014-03-05 |language=en}}
• Mpumalanga Provincial Languages Act, 2014{{Cite book |url=https://lawlibrary.org.za/akn/za-mp/act/2014/3/eng@2014-07-09 |title=Mpumalanga Provincial Languages Act, 2014 |date=2014-07-09 |language=en}}
• North West Provincial Languages Act, 2015{{Cite book |url=https://lawlibrary.org.za/akn/za-nw/act/2015/1/eng@2015-09-17 |title=North West Provincial Languages Act, 2015 |date=2015-09-17 |language=en}}
• Gauteng Provincial Languages Act, 2016,{{Cite book |url=https://lawlibrary.org.za/akn/za-gp/act/2016/3/eng@2016-11-03 |title=Gauteng Provincial Languages Act, 2016 |date=2016-11-03 |language=en}}
• Use of Free State Official Languages Act, 2017{{Cite book |url=https://lawlibrary.org.za/akn/za-fs/act/2017/1/eng@2017-03-29 |title=Use of Free State Official Languages Act, 2017 |date=2017-03-29 |language=en}}

The Korean Sign Language Act ({{Korean|hangul=한국수화언어법|hanja=韓國手話言語法|rr=Hanguk Suhwa Eoneo Beop|labels=no}}), which was adopted on 3 February 2016 and came into effect on 4 August 2016, established Korean Sign Language as an official language for the Deaf in South Korea equal in status with Korean. The law also stipulates that the national and local governments are required to provide translation services in Korean Sign Language to Deaf individuals who need them. After Korean Sign Language had been established, it became a requirement for there to be signed interpretations in court. KSL is also used during public events and social services programs. South Korea offers sign language courses for hearing. Special sign language instruction courses are available for parents with deaf children.{{Cite journal |last=Frawley |first=William |date=2003 |title=Sign Language |journal=International Encyclopedia of Linguistics}}The original text of the legislation in Korean can be viewed [http://www.law.go.kr/%EB%B2%95%EB%A0%B9/%ED%95%9C%EA%B5%AD%EC%88%98%ED%99%94%EC%96%B8%EC%96%B4%EB%B2%95/(13978,20160203) here].

In 2007, the Spanish parliament, the Cortes Generales, passed the Law 27/2007 (23 October 2007) on the recognition of sign languages in the country, including Spanish Sign Language.

{{cite web

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| title = CNLSE

| website = CNLSE

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{{cite web

| url = https://sid.usal.es/idocs/F3/LYN11795/LEYLSE.pdf

| title = LAW 27/2007, of October 23, by which Spanish sign languages are recognized, and speech communication aids for the deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind, are regulated.

| author1 = King of Spain

| website = Universidad de Salamanca

| access-date = 2024-06-26

}}

In 2010, the Parliament of Catalonia passed Law 17/2010 on the Catalan Sign Language.{{Citation |last1=Jarque |first1=Maria Josep |title=17. Legal Recognition and Regulation of Catalan Sign Language |date=2019-06-17 |work=TheLegal Recognition of Sign Languages: Advocacy and Outcomes Around the World |pages=268–283 |editor-last=De Meulder |editor-first=Maartje |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.21832/9781788924016-019/html |access-date=2025-02-26 |publisher=Multilingual Matters |language=en |doi=10.21832/9781788924016-019 |isbn=978-1-78892-401-6 |last2=Bosch-Baliarda |first2=Marta |last3=González |first3=Menchu |editor2-last=Murray |editor2-first=Joseph J. |editor3-last=McKee |editor3-first=Rachel L.|url-access=subscription }}

{{cquote|Article 13,4: The Generalitat shall grant the use of the sign language of deaf persons (which shall be used for education) with protection and respect.La Generalitat garantirà l'ús de la llengua de signes pròpia de les persones sordes, que haurà de ser objecte d'ensenyament, protecció i respecte. (Corts Valencianes: [http://www.cortsvalencianes.es/descarga/destacados/ESTATUT.pdf Estatut d'Autonomia de la Communitat Valenciana] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926130504/http://www.cortsvalencianes.es/descarga/destacados/ESTATUT.pdf |date=2007-09-26 }}.)|||[http://www.cortsvalencianes.es/descarga/destacados/ESTATUT.pdf Statute of Autonomy of Valencia]}}

According to a 23 September 2010 report, Sri Lankan Sign Language has been officially recognised.{{cite web|url = http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10B/Sep23_1285222003KA.php|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100925064947/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_10B/Sep23_1285222003KA.php|url-status = dead|archive-date = 25 September 2010|title = Sign language recognized in Sri Lanka|website= Colombo Page|date = 23 September 2010|location = Colombo, Sri Lanka}}

Sweden was one of the first countries in the world to officially recognize a signed language (Swedish Sign Language) as a language, and this has led to an expansion in availability of courses in school.{{cite book |last1=Nilsson |first1=Anna-Lena |last2=Schönström |first2=Krister |date=2014 |chapter=Swedish Sign Language as a Second Language: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9781137312495_2 |language=en |title=Teaching and Learning Signed Languages |pages=11–34 |doi=10.1057/9781137312495_2 |isbn=978-1-349-45728-1 |access-date=2024-06-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614083736/https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057%2F9781137312495_2#citeas |archive-date=2018-06-14 |quote=Sweden was one of the first countries in the world to officially recognize a signed language as a language. In 1981, Swedish Sign Language (SSL) was recognized in a government bill (Proposition, 1980/81:100). This recognition, in turn, had major consequences for the acknowledgement of SSL as the first language of deaf children, and also increased the need for formal courses in SSL. }}

The Swiss Parliament approved a motion for the Government to bring forward legislation to recognise Swiss German Sign Language, French Sign Language and Italian Sign Language.{{Cite web |last=swissinfo.ch |first=S. W. I. |date=2022-12-13 |title=Parliament seeks recognition of sign languages |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/parliament-seeks-recognition-of-sign-languages/48129930 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215165306/https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/society/parliament-seeks-recognition-of-sign-languages/48129930 |archive-date=2022-12-15 |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=SWI swissinfo.ch |language=en}}

Taiwanese Sign Language was first recognised as a national language of Taiwan in 2019 by the National Languages Act in 2019.{{cite journal |last1=Lin |first1=Yi-Li|last2=Ku |first2=Fang-Huai|last3=Ku|first3=Yu-Shan|last4=Andrews|first4=Jean F. |date=2023-10-24 |title=The National Languages Act (2019), Taiwanese Sign Language, and language planning and policy (LPP) |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/14643154.2023.2284395 |journal= Deafness & Education International |volume=26 |issue=2 |pages=149–167 |doi=10.1080/14643154.2023.2284395 |access-date=2024-07-01|url-access=subscription}}

Thai Sign Language was recognised as "the national language of deaf people in Thailand" on 17 August 1999 in a resolution signed by the Permanent Secretary for Education on behalf of the Royal Thai Government which affirmed the rights of deaf people to learn the language at home and in schools. According to a 13 October 1999 report by Charles Reilly, "specific actions will be taken by the government, including hiring deaf people as teachers and instructors of sign language in deaf schools, and providing interpreters for deaf people in higher education."{{cite web|url=http://pr.gallaudet.edu/otg/BackIssues.asp?ID=3810|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231953/http://pr.gallaudet.edu/otg/BackIssues.asp?ID=3810|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 March 2016|title=Archive: On The Green|work=Gallaudet University|access-date=20 May 2020}}

Turkish Sign Language is used by the country's deaf community. On 1 July 2005, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey enacted an updated Disability Law (No. 5378) which referred to sign language. According to Law No. 15, sign language is to be used in deaf education; Law No. 30 stipulates that sign language interpretation be provided to deaf people. There has been discussion in Parliament about developing a standardised sign language.{{Cite web |url=http://www.abgs.gov.tr/tarama/tarama_files/19/SC19DET_People%20with%20disabilities.pdf |title=Agenda Item: People with Disabilities|access-date=20 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070404073157/http://www.abgs.gov.tr/tarama/tarama_files/19/SC19DET_People%20with%20disabilities.pdf |archive-date=4 April 2007|url-status=dead }}

On 8 October 1995, Uganda adopted a new constitution promoting the development of a sign language for the deaf.WFD News, April 1996. Ugandan Sign Language was not specified. Twenty-five-year-old Alex Ndeezi, executive director of the Uganda National Association of the Deaf from 2000 to 2014, was elected to Parliament in 1996.{{cite web |title=Alex Ndeezi |url=https://www.parliament.go.ug/mp_database/profile.php?mid=234 |website=Members of the 10th Parliament |access-date=20 May 2020}}

{{blockquote|text=XXIV (iii). The State shall [...] promote the development of a sign language for the deaf.|source=National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, Constitution of Uganda}}

British Sign Language (BSL) achieved non-legislative recognition in 2003 by the UK government {{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/mar/19/schools.immigrationpolicy |title=Sign language wins recognition |access-date=2024-06-11 |date=2003-03-19 |work=The Guardian |quote=Deaf people yesterday won formal government recognition of British sign language as a language in its own right |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309131920/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2003/mar/19/schools.immigrationpolicy |archive-date=2021-03-09}}

BSL was recognised by the Parliament of the United Kingdom as a language of England, Scotland, and Wales in 2022. On 28 April 2022, the British Sign Language Act 2022 was given royal assent, giving BSL a similar status to Welsh in Wales, Scottish Gaelic in Scotland, and created a duty for the UK government, public bodies and English local authorities to promote the use of BSL, but it did not extend this obligation to devolved matters for Scotland, and Wales.

BSL achieved non-legislative recognition in 2004 by the Welsh government.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.wales/british-sign-language |title=British Sign Language |access-date=2024-06-26 |date=2016-10-20 |publisher=Welsh Government |quote=This Government formally recognised British Sign Language as a language in its own right in January 2004. |url-status=live |archive-date=2023-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602174914/https://www.gov.wales/british-sign-language}}

BSL may be recognised by the Senedd as a language of Wales, with the passage of Mark Isherwood's British Sign Language (Wales) Bill, giving BSL a similar status to Welsh in Wales, and would create a duty for the Welsh government, public bodies to promote the use of BSL.

BSL achieved non-legislative recognition in 2011 by the Scottish government {{cite web |url=https://tfn.scot/opinion/more-needs-to-be-done-for-scotlands-bsl-users |title=A long way to go before British Sign Language is fully recognised |access-date=2024-06-26 |date=2016-10-20 |publisher=Third Force News |quote=For example, although BSL was recognised as an official language by the UK Government in 2003 and the Scottish Government in 2011, this is not widely known and those that are aware often think of BSL as just a signed version of English. |url-status=live |archive-date=2024-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325200309/https://tfn.scot/opinion/more-needs-to-be-done-for-scotlands-bsl-users}}

BSL was recognised by the Scottish Parliament as a language of Scotland in 2015. On 22 October 2015, the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 was given royal assent, giving BSL a similar status Scottish Gaelic in Scotland, and created a duty for the Scottish government, public bodies and local authorities to promote the use of BSL.

British and Irish Sign Language were given non-legislative recognition by the Northern Ireland Office in 2004.{{cite web|url=http://www.nio.gov.uk/paul-murphy-announces-recognition-for-sign-language/media-detail.htm?newsID=8540 |title=Paul Murphy announces recognition for sign language |access-date=2008-06-22 |date=2004-03-30 |publisher=Northern Ireland Office |quote=I am pleased to announce formal recognition for both British and Irish Sign Languages in Northern Ireland. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520115301/http://www.nio.gov.uk/paul-murphy-announces-recognition-for-sign-language/media-detail.htm?newsID=8540 |archive-date=2011-05-20 }}

In 2024, the Minister for Communities, "set out proposals to increase the number of interpreters and, ultimately, bring forward a Sign Language Bill".{{cite web|url=https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/communities-minister-outlines-way-forward-sign-languages |title=Communities Minister outlines way forward for Sign Languages |access-date=2024-06-11|date=2024-02-20|publisher=Department for Communities |quote=Speaking in the Assembly, the Minister set out proposals to increase the number of interpreters and, ultimately, bring forward a Sign Language Bill. |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304194942/https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/communities-minister-outlines-way-forward-sign-languages|archive-date=2024-03-04}}

The bill was introduced in February 2025 as the Sign Language Bill.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-10 |title=Sign Language Bill: First Stage |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/ni/?id=2025-02-10.5.8 |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=TheyWorkForYou |language=en}} Unlike England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland has two sign languages – BSL and ISL, so the legislation recognises both ISL and BSL.

In 2023, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, signed the British Deaf Association’s Charter for British Sign Language "to address discrimination, empower deaf communities and improve relationships between public sector organisations and Deaf communities".

{{cite web

| url = https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/charter-british-sign-language

| title = Charter for British Sign Language

| last = Sheikh

| first = Sakina

| date = 2023-12-21

| website = Greater London Authority

| access-date = 2024-06-26

| quote = I am proud to have been joined by Deputy Mayor Debbie Weekes-Bernard, colleagues from the British Deaf Association and 70+ Deaf Londoners for the formal signing of the Charter for British Sign Language on behalf of City Hall. The Charter was designed by the British Deaf Association (BDA) as one way to address discrimination, empower deaf communities and improve relationships between public sector organisations and Deaf communities. The adoption of the Charter forms part of my pledge to improve access and rights for Deaf Londoners who use sign language. As part of developing the charter, the BDA held workshops with British sign language users to gather their views, experiences and feedback from their interactions with City Hall.

}}

In 2024, as a candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham pledged to require that there is BSL sign on the live stream of all meetings of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

{{cite web

| url = https://liamodell.com/2024/04/26/andy-burnham-greater-manchester-mayor-combined-authority-british-sign-language-bsl-british-deaf-association-conference-bda/

| title = Andy Burnham commits to requiring BSL for all Greater Manchester Combined Authority meetings if re-elected

| last = O'Dell

| first = Liam

| date = 2024-04-26

| website = Liam O'Dell

| access-date = 2024-06-26

| quote = “So I’ll make an election pledge, that from the start of my next term, should I be lucky enough to have one, I will require that there is BSL sign on the live stream of all meetings of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority,” he said.

}}

The federal government does not recognize any language, spoken or signed, as an official language. However, several U.S. universities accept American Sign Language credit to meet their foreign-language requirements.{{cite web |url=http://www.unm.edu/~wilcox/UNM/univlist.html |title=Universities That Accept ASL in Fulfillment of Foreign Language Requirements |publisher=University of New Mexico |last=Wilcox |first=Sherman}} In some states, the study of American Sign Language is eligible for foreign language credit at the high school level. In 2015, California became the first US state to legislate language development milestone guidance pertaining to children whose first language is a signed language.{{cite web | url=https://earlystart.csdeagles.net/home/assessments/sb-210-lead-k | title=Early Start Resources - SB 210 - Lead K }}

Although Uruguay has no "official" languages, Uruguayan Sign Language ({{langx|es|Lengua de señas uruguaya}}, or LSU), was legally recognised as the language of deaf persons on 10 July 2001.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110704041632/http://200.40.229.134/IndexDB/Leyes/ConsultaLeyes.asp Ley No. 17.378.] Reconócese a todos los efectos a la Lengua de Señas Uruguaya como la lengua natural de las personas sordas y de sus comunidades en todo el territorio de la República 10 July 2001, Parliament of Uruguay.

In the 2008 law 18.437 (Ley General de Educación, 12 December 2008), LSU is considered (with Uruguayan Spanish and Uruguayan Portuguese) a mother tongue of Uruguayan citizens. In policy documents of the Comisión de Políticas Lingüísticas en la Educación Pública (Public Education Language Policy Commission, part of the Administración Nacional de Educación Pública or ANEP), it is proposed that LSU be the principal language of deaf education.{{Cite journal |last1=Behares |first1=Luis Ernesto |last2=Brovetto |first2=Claudia |last3=Peluso Crespi |first3=Leonardo |date=2012 |title=Language Policies in Uruguay and Uruguayan Sign Language (LSU) |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/18/article/480477 |journal=Sign Language Studies |volume=12 |issue=4 |pages=519–542 |doi=10.1353/sls.2012.0008 |issn=1533-6263|url-access=subscription }}

Venezuelan Sign Language was recognised in the country's constitution on 12 November 1999.

The Zimbabwean sign languages, grouped as "sign language", are recognised in the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe as one of the sixteen "officially recognised languages of Zimbabwe"."The following languages, namely Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa, are the officially recognised languages of Zimbabwe." ([http://www.kubatana.net/docs/legisl/constitution_zim_draft_copac_130125.pdf Chapter 1, section 6, Constitution of Zimbabwe (final draft)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002110534/http://www.kubatana.net/docs/legisl/constitution_zim_draft_copac_130125.pdf |date=2 October 2013}}).

{{reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060216150733/http://fevlado.be/themas/gebarentaal/documenten/Status%20van%20gebarentalen%20in%20Europa.pdf Report on the status of Sign Languages in Europe] (PDF link)
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050920061758/http://www.deafcouncil.org.uk/drcsub.htm Official Recognition of British Sign Language]

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20041105050456/http://www.ffsb.be/doc/LS/decret_officiel.pdf Décret relatif à la reconnaissance de la langue des signes (Belgian French Community decree recognising sign language)]
• [http://jsp.vlaamsparlement.be/docs/stukken/2005-2006/g729-1.pdf Decreet houdende de erkenning van de Vlaamse Gebarentaal (Decree on the Recognition of Flemish Sign Language)]
• [http://www.policy.hu/flora/ressign2.htm European Parliament Resolution on Sign Languages, 1988]

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