SCECLB36 Susan Mitchell

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 Susan Mitchell | Evidence from Susan Mitchell

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 am concerned that rather than empowering women the bill will enable men who identify as women. I also think people should be appointed to posts on their merit, not their sex.

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

There are more important things to be concerned about in Wales

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?

Yes, if men who identify as women are allowed to stand . This is not meeting a quota, it is disingenuous.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Dissatisfaction from both sides, this is not equality.

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

Difficult to assess financial and other impacts

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?

Compatibility with ECHR should be irrelevant in Wales.

Do you have any views on matters related to the quality of the legislation, or to the constitutional or other implications of the Bill?

Are there any other issues that you would like to raise about the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum or any related matters?

I and many other women in Wales are totally against self ID and this bill does nothing to address this.