SCECLB130 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)?

The only way that this legislation can be effective in countering the discrimination women face in achieving parity of representation is by ensuring that the definition of ‘women’ is based on their sex, but their gender. The Senedd is aiming to over-reach its powers by introducing  self-identification for trans people via this Bill.

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

The ‘enforcement’ cannot be effective in achieving sexual equality if it is based on self-identification of gender rather than observed sex.

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?

The Bill appears to over-reach the Senedd powers, in a similar way to the way the Scottish Government did. That would appear to be a rather large barrier

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

If implemented on the basis of gender rather than sex, it is likely to increase sexual discrimination

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

None

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?

Anything else?