SCECLB90 Natalie Page

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 Natalie Page | Evidence from Natalie Page

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)?

The general principles of the Bill are counterproductive and unworkable due to the Senedd's position on gender recognition.

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

You cannot enforce any sex based quotient unless you recognise who women are, and who women aren't. Men can identify as women and take positions without enforcement even being in scope.

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?

Gender Recognition is the biggest barrier to the intended, correct implementation of this Bill.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Yes, lessons should be learned from other countries who have gender recognition legislation and sex based quotient. Both legislation conflicts and has caused NO women to be in post due to men saying they are women taking positions.

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

I think you will find yourself having to defend this idea in court so budgets need to be raised for constitutional and individual litigation resulting from the proposed 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?

The information is comprehensive but that does not mitigate the stupidity of the idea as a whole.

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 that with no second house in Wales that legislation doesn't have sufficient scrutiny nor expertise to assess compatibility with the ECHR or other legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 and the Gender Recognition Act

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

The premise of the legislation is severely flawed which means that quality issues are irrelevant, and it is abundantly clear that the implications for individuals or the constitution have not been addressed in any meaningful way.

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

Anything else?

Plaid Cymru just refused to engage with the largest feminist organisation in Europe. This Bill undermines women's rights and it is clear to me that Wales politics is hostile to women across the board. The previous First Minister also refused to meet with women. Wales cannot claim with any credibility that they are for women or pro equality when legislation and attitudes reveal the exact opposite.