2006: Flanders - Belgium: Legal Recognition of Flemish Sign Language
Flemish Sign Language (Dutch: Vlaamse Gebarentaal or VGT) was recognised on 24 April 2006 by the Flemish Parliament. The recognition entails:
- a cultural (symbolic) recognition
- the formation of a commission to advise the Flemish government on all VGT-related matters
- funding of VGT research and development
Cultural recognition entails that the Flemish Government recognises the Flemish Sign Language as the language of the Deaf Community in Flanders. This 'recognition' encompasses the following three meanings:
(1) the Flemish Government acknowledges the correctness of the fact that the Flemish Sign Language is the language of the Deaf Community in Flanders,
(2) the Flemish Government also accepts the existence of this language in the judicial domain and treats it accordingly and
(3) the Flemish Government expresses its respect for this language.
Source: http://www.adviesvgt.be/decreet-vgt