Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

Debate between Lord Howarth of Newport and Lord Sentamu

Wednesday 9th February 2011 Lords Chamber

[The Archbishop of York]

I, too, support the amendment of the noble Lord, Lord Low. I hope that when we talk about functions in relation to voters’ disabilities, we do not forget one particular category of people—that is, deaf people. It is no good getting people in if there is no British Sign Language available. I hope that that will be taken into account as well.

[Lord Howarth of Newport]

My Lords, I, too, support the amendment in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Low of Dalston. It is the mark of a civilised society that disabled people are able to participate in all its activities. It is certainly the mark of a mature and properly functioning democracy that disabled people are in no way obstructed from participating in elections.