SCECLB28 Individual

Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament

Y Pwyllgor Biliau Diwygio | Reform Bill Committee

Bil Senedd Cymru (Rhestrau Ymgeiswyr Etholiadol)| Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill

Ymateb gan Unigolyn | Evidence from Individual

What are your views on the general principles of the Bill and the need for legislation to deliver the Welsh Government’s stated policy objective (to make the Senedd a more effective legislature by ensuring it is broadly representative of the gender make-up of the population)?

I agree with the aim but think this is a terrible way to go about it. Lists should be based on merit or female MS’s will be assumed to be there because of the rule and not because they’re good. You’d be better tackling barriers facing quality female candidates like sexism and harassment in your party or structural issues like childcare, flexible working etc

What are your views on the system of enforcement and potential sanctions for non-compliance proposed in the Bill?

No problem with people self-identifying as women, but I think the policy is a bad idea

Are there any potential barriers to the implementation of the Bill’s provisions? If so, what are they, and are they adequately taken into account in the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment?

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Yes, like with affirmative action in the USA, these kinds of policies leave people with a sense of unfairness and resentment at disadvantaged groups way beyond any potential positives of the policy. Also with small numbers there’s no guarantee it won’t worsen the quality of the candidates.

What are your views on the Welsh Government’s assessment of the financial and other impacts of the Bill?

What are your views on the balance between the information contained on the face of the Bill and what is left to subordinate legislation? Are the powers for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation appropriate?

Do you have any views on matters relating to the legislative competence of the Senedd including compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights?