Language protests highlight lack of rights in Welsh law

bank-closed.jpgThe Welsh Language Society has begun a campaign against banks today (Saturday 13th November) in an eleventh-hour bid to secure clear rights for people in the government's language law.In order to draw the government's attention to the fact that the proposed Welsh Language Measure will not have a significant impact upon Welsh language services in the private sector, members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith are campaigning against different parts of the private sector, beginning this week with banks.Members will target different companies within the private sector over the next few weeks, ahead of the final debate on the Welsh language law at the end of the month (30th November). They are calling on Assembly Members to abstain unless a clear statement of people's rights is included in the legislation.Ceri Phillips, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg's (Welsh Language Society) Langage Rights Group commented:"Even though the Heritage Minister is discussing how to save S4C, he seems to have forgotten the mess he's made of the language law. We haven't though. The Assembly has no powers over broadcasting, but the Minister can ensure a better future for the Welsh language by ensuring a clear statement of official status and the right to receive services through the medium of Welsh."Today (Saturday 13th November) members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmartheshire have placed posters stating "This bank is closed - for those who wish to receive a full Welsh language service, but thanks for your Money!", on a number of banks in Carmarthen. Similar protests have taken place in banks in Cardiff and Pontypridd.Sioned Elin, Carmarthenshire Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg said:"Banks are used every day by Welsh speakers, but the mess that is the Welsh language law has failed to tackle their discrimination against the language.""The government claim that rights to the language are part of the law, but there are none in reality. Our campaign over the next few weeks will demonstrate how, like with the banks, people won't have the right to live their lives through the medium of Welsh."Ceri Phillips added:"The government has joined the fight to save S4C, but it's time that they woke up and ensured their language law contains clear rights to the Welsh language, otherwise its future will hang in the balance."