Welsh language campaigners have accused the Government of 'lying' after they presented changes that fail to establish rights for people or its official status.Today Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg released a motion that will go before the Cymdeithas yr Iaith AGM in Aberystwyth on October 30th that calls on Assembly Members to abstain on the proposed law unless further changes are made.Regarding official status, a Cymdeithas yr Iaith spokesperson agreed with remarks from lawyer Emyr Lewis who said that "...there is no independent legal force at all to the statement [proposed by the government]...".In an open letter earlier this year, thirteen lawyers criticised the present government plans, saying: "Despite planned sanctions for breaches, imposing [duties on bodies] in this way does not establish linguistic rights for individuals."Menna Machreth, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:"The Government has told lies again by saying that they are delivering rights and official status in this law. The amendments do not mean this; they have failed to keep their promises. At present, the Government has given rights to companies to avoid providing services in Welsh, but there are no rights for people. It is totally unjust to put the power in the hands of bodies and big companies, but to leave people without any rights. That's why we are suggesting a number of amendments to make up for the insult that is the current draft law. Without clear rights for people, the measure is just a long mess."

"We and other movements have presented amendments and strong evidence of the need to include rights in the measure. Although the Minister said he would listen to people's opinions it is totally obvious that he has not taken our opinions into account."Assembly Members have a chance over the next weeks to save Measure to ensure fairness between companies and individuals. This is the last chance for a generation to ensure rights and official status for the Welsh language, the boost that is needed in order to normalise the language and deliver justice for those wishing to embrace the language, whether they speak Welsh or not."The Legislative Competence Order was a betrayal because it failed to give powers over the language to Wales in full. But this is a further betrayal because the Government isn't making full use of those powers."Mesur iaith o dan y lach - BBC Cymru - 07/10/10What makes a language like Welsh or English 'official'? - BBC Wales - 07/10/10Assembly measure gives Welsh status 'equal to English' - BBC Wales - 07/10/10Critics say new language plans have no power - Western Mail - 07/10/10Statws cydradd â'r Saesneg i'r Gymraeg - BBC Cymru - 06/10/10'Statws swyddogol' i'r iaith Gymraeg - Golwg360 - 06/10/10