A New Era in the Right to Sign first or preferred language of Deaf not prevent the Human Rights Commission New Zealanders. Language is not from accepting related complaints. However, a separate prohibited ground of it does mean that they are either considered discrimination under our human rights as an aspect of discrimination based on one’s law but is usually dealt with as an race or ethnic or national origins.38 Or, in aspect of race or ethnicity. This does the case of deaf people, they are considered not afford Deaf New Zealanders the as an aspect of disability discrimination.39 same right to their language as other Complaints of discrimination under the HRA, New Zealanders. The language of whatever ground is cited, revolve around the Deaf New Zealanders needs specific facts of the individual case. legal status as a unique New Zealand language, by way of the NZSL Bill.37 Complaints under s21 of the HRA focus solely on the right to freedom from The absence of language as a separate discrimination. Therefore they are narrower ground of prohibited discrimination does in scope than the full range of relevant I Am Deaf: LetÕs Talk – 25 Signs to learn for the weekend. © Deaf Aotearoa. 27