SCECLB81 Deirdre Johnston

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 Deirdre Johnston | Evidence from Deirdre Johnston

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)?

Using the word gender is misleading. As you well now men are declaring themselves as  having a female gender. That’s a feeling, a concept, not reality. SEX is the word which should be used. And Sex Equality is what this bill should be about. As it stands any man can put himself forward and declare himself a woman, thereby making the whole exercise nothing more than virtue signalling. The bill as it stands is disingenuous.

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

“Face Value”?!! So no proof will be required if a clearly biological male states he’s a woman. Unbelievable.

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?

There are barriers for women if anyone can declare themselves as one.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Because the bill allows anyone to declare themselves as a woman then clearly the consequences (and really, are these unintended?) could be that more men than women could be on lists thus defeating the whole purpose of the bill.

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?

I believe this is a ruse to get Self Id in by the back door. The WG is not legally competent to legislate on this matter, as told to you by the Llwyd. It is not a devolved matter. You’re eating my money and your time.

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

See answer to question 14.

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

Drop it.

Anything else?

See answer to question 16.