SCECLB136 Anne Baker

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 Anne Baker | Evidence from Anne Baker

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)?

As I have no idea what the Welsh Government means by gender I cannot see any point in this bill. Why not just stick to a more simple aim of 50:50 split between male and female, as everyone knows what sex means.

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

This makes no sense at all, and as you have yet to achieve equal representation for both sexes (male and female) I do not understand why you are trying to impose sanctions over an issue that is so unclear

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 main barriers would be the lack of any clear understanding around gender issues and that most people find it easier to deal with the reality of sex, with male and female being easily understood by all, and hence easier to achieve

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

I would say the most likely group of people to lose out by this bill are women, who tend to be under represented in this area

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

I believe it would be a complete waste of time and effort and money

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?

I would not be happy with a Welsh Ministers pursuing this issue as I believe it would be in conflict with other UK legislation

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 do not believe the Senedd is taking everyone’s human Rights into account, as they do not seem to consider womens sex based rights as worthy of respect

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

I believe it will conflict with other UK legislation