Language campaigners have reacted to the news that the Welsh language law has come into force.During the passage of the law, eighteen Assembly Members supported an unsuccessful amendment to the recent language law to create general rights to the Welsh language, a legal presumption in favour of individuals receiving Welsh language services.The Welsh language law was passed in December last year and will make Welsh an official language in Wales and create the role of Language Commissioner, but failed to include language rights.Bethan Williams, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:"Through this Measure we have won official status for the language and that has been warmly welcomed. But there was a core principle missing in the law passed by the Assembly before Christmas. It doesn't give language rights to the people of Wales in every aspect of their lives."Despite that, an amendment to that effect was supported by 18 Assembly Members from three different parties, and that was a significant step forward.""There will be no principle driving the duties on bodies that will be asked to provide Welsh language services. Official status on its own will not empower people in their communities, and that defect of the law is sure to become clear in the future. Our intention as campaigners is to call for new legislation in the next Assembly - legislation that would empower citizens by bestowing rights for people to see, hear, learn and use the language in their communities, right across Wales."