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MSP makes history by taking oath in sign language


By Alan Beresford

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THERE was history in the making earlier today for Banffshire and Buchan Coast's new MSP when she became the first parliamentarian to use British Sign Language (BSL) in her affirmation.

Karen Adam MSP shortly after being elected.
Karen Adam MSP shortly after being elected.

Karen Adam, who won the seat for the SNP in the May 6 Scottish Parliament election, was sworn in to earlier today. During the proceedings, she used both English and BSL.

She learned how to sign as a child to communicate with her deaf father. At her victory speech last Friday, she signed a 'thank you' to her father for his support.

As a councillor, Ms Adam campaigned for councils to improve access and support for users of BSL.

She said: "I hope to see a deaf parliamentarian swear in to the Scottish Parliament one day.

"As a CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult) I hope I represented our community well."

Watch here affirmation here:

Ms Adam was elected to serve the constituency following Stewart Stevenson's announcement that he would not be seeking another term in office. Mr Stevenson had held the seat – initially called Banff and Buchan – since 2001 for the SNP.

She held the seat with a majority of 772 votes over Conservative candidate Mark Findlater.


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