National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Act 2012 facts for kids
| Act of the National Assembly for Wales | |
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| Long title | An Act of the National Assembly for Wales to make provision about the use of the English and Welsh languages in proceedings of the National Assembly for Wales and in the discharge of the functions of the Assembly Commission. |
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| Citation | 2012 anaw 1 |
| Introduced by | Rhodri Glyn Thomas |
| Territorial extent | Wales |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 12 November 2012 |
| Commencement | 13 November 2012 |
| Other legislation | |
| Relates to | Government of Wales Act 2006 |
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Status: Current legislation
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| History of passage through Parliament | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Act 2012 (which in Welsh is called Welsh: Deddf Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru (Ieithoedd Swyddogol) 2012) was an important law made in Wales. It was passed by the National Assembly for Wales (now known as the Senedd). This Act made it a legal requirement for the Assembly to provide services in both English and Welsh.
This law was very special because it was the first Act to be passed in Wales and become law in over 600 years!
What the Act Does
The National Assembly for Wales (Official Languages) Act 2012 received official approval, known as royal assent, on 12 November 2012. This Act is historically important because it was the first law passed in Wales in more than six centuries.
The Act changed parts of the Government of Wales Act 2006. It created a legal duty for the National Assembly for Wales and its Commission to offer services in both Welsh and English. This means people can use either language when dealing with the Assembly.
How a Bill Becomes Law
This Act was not the first bill (a proposed law) passed by the National Assembly for Wales. The first bill passed was for the Local Government Byelaws (Wales) Act 2012. However, the Official Languages Act was the first to get royal assent and officially become a law.
The National Assembly for Wales approved the bill on 3 October 2012. After that, it went through a special waiting period. During this time, lawyers checked to make sure the bill was something the Assembly had the power to create.
Royal assent was given when the Welsh Seal was put onto the official documents. This was done by the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, on 12 November 2012. The new law was then officially announced on 16 November.
A Historic Moment
Carwyn Jones spoke about the Act during a small ceremony. He said, "This is the first act that has been passed by a legislature in Wales for more than 600 years. It's an exceptionally historic day." He also added, "Wales is an old country, but a young democracy. Today is a historic day for us as a nation. It heralds the beginning of a new era for the governance of Wales."
The original official documents of this Act were planned to be shown at the National Assembly for Wales. All future Acts passed by the Assembly are kept at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.
See also
