Karen Adam MSP makes sworn affirmation in BSL at the Scottish Parliament

Karen Adam MSP makes sworn affirmation in BSL at the Scottish Parliament

Karen Adam MSP has today made her sworn affirmation in the Scottish Parliament using British Sign Language.

Ms Adam, who has been re-elected to represent Banffshire and Buchan Coast, chose to make her affirmation in BSL in recognition of her lifelong connection to the Deaf community and her commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Karen Adam MSP is a child of a Deaf adult and has often spoken about the influence of her father, who is a part of the Deaf community in the north east of Scotland. She previously made history by swearing in using BSL when she first became an MSP in 2021.

Commenting, Karen Adam MSP said:

“Making my affirmation in BSL is deeply personal to me. As a CODA, a child of a Deaf adult, BSL has always been part of my life, my family, and my understanding of the world.

“It matters that our Parliament reflects the people of Scotland, and that includes Deaf people, BSL users, disabled people and everyone who has too often been pushed to the margins or expected to fit into systems that were not built with them in mind.

“When I stood in the chamber and made my affirmation in BSL, I was thinking of my dad, of the Deaf community in the north east, and wider Scotland and of everyone who deserves to see their language, culture and identity respected in public life.

“It is a real honour to return to Parliament as the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, and I will continue to work hard for my constituents, for equality, and for a Scotland where everyone belongs.”

Karen Adam MSP has been a strong advocate for Deaf access and BSL recognition throughout her time in Parliament, including through her work as Convener of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, where she led a post-legislative review into the BSL Act.