For the first time in history, the Welsh language is an official language in our country. As an organisation that has campaigned for decades to secure official status, we welcome this important step, which is a source of pride for the whole nation.I would like to thank everyone who played a part in the campaign for new language legislation over many years. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who ever attended a protest; signed a petition or a letter; took part in non-violent direct action; made a public stand or worked behind the scenes. Your efforts gave us a new law, and your campaigning strengthened it.The law that passed is however very different to the one Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg sought. A crucial principle is absent: linguistic rights. That omission means people will not have the right to see, hear and use Welsh in their everyday lives. Rights were promised by this Government, but it failed to keep its word. So, further legislation will be needed in the next Assembly term.With that in mind, I would like to thank the politicians who supported our Welsh language rights amendment. Despite losing the vote, I believe it will be a platform for a mature discussion about language rights in the near future.Yn gywir,Bethan WilliamsChair, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg