SCECLB50 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)?

Whilst gender equality is a worthwhile endevour, by forcing parties to bias their selection in favour of women undermines the pinciple (and indeed the role) of the political system in wales by unfairly favouring possibly less able / experienced female representatives above their male counterparts solely based on their gender. This I feel is unfair (regardless of the original worthwhile intentions) with the ultimate outcome being highlighted by all those against the principle of a seperate Welsh Senedd and it's representatives within.

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

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?

The bill will further degrade the trust in politicians and the Senedd. Our political representatives should consist of the best individuals for the role, regardless of their gender. Where does it stop ? what about slections criteria based on other identifiers such as race, religion, football team you support etc. based on the overall population within Wales ?

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?

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?

Another "Wales first" piece of reactionary legislation. Why is Wales always the testing ground for such legislation ? These types of policies and bills will continue to undermine politics, the senedd and the political process in Wales. Nice idea. Poorly implemented (again!).

Anything else?

I am against the Bill and believe that legislation is not required to "Force" the issue. Progress is already being made organically (albeit not quickly enough) but by imposing rules on who represents the public in the Senedd, BY the Senedd, will surely be viewed as tokenistic and thus cementing the (in my view incorrect) opinion that the senedd (and it's policy makers) are out of touch, not required, a waste of money where crazy laws are badly thought through, reactionary and poorly implemented.