British Sign Language is recognized but has no legal protection, what does this mean?

That means that is not consider to have the same importance or is not as mandatory as the English language is yet.

Users of BSL (British Sign Language) successfully campaigned the government of the United Kingdom and made BSL into an officially recognized British language back on 18 March 2003. British Sign Language is now recognized on the same level as other languages of the United Kingdom such as Scottish, Welsh and Gaelic.

According:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/opinion/bsl_goes_mainstream_the_logical_end.shtml

Total inclusion of BSL as an official language would mean:

* Increased access for Deaf people to information. Total BSL recognition and inclusion in the European Charter could mean services provided ad hoc. There would be equal access to public information and health care, on par with that of non-Deaf.

* Recognition would mean further equality for Deaf people; we would no longer be seen as second-rate citizens.

* Access to education for young Deaf children would improve. Deaf children should be given the right to an education in their natural and preferred language. BSL could also be provided as a language choice on the National Curriculum!

* The DDA prevents discrimination in the workplace, but this is not infallible. BSL recognition will put us on an equal par.

* An overall increase in Deaf confidence! Recent studies held by Mind into Deafness and mental health show that Deaf people suffer higher rates of anxiety and depression than able-bodied people. This can be linked to communication difficulties. BSL recognition and inclusion on a national basis would be a major step towards removing these barriers.