The Sign Language Bill passed its Consideration Stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew, the party's communities spokesperson, welcomed the development.

Gildernew stated that deaf and deafblind people have lacked access to public services in their language for too long. He noted the bill will help this community participate fully and equally in society.

He described the bill as a key step toward equality, despite ongoing challenges. Gildernew also acknowledged input from deaf community members in developing the legislation.

He emphasized that the bill prioritizes the needs of the deaf community.