SCECLB163 Diana

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 Diana | Evidence from Diana

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)?

It is important that the candidates declare their biological sex. Gender is not protected in law, therefore, they should declare themselves as either male or female only.

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

It is entirely wrong. If a male candidate declares himself as a woman then he is not only undermining women but also taking a woman’s position. That is not equality.

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?

Yes, allowing males to self identify as women is unjust. This would put female candidates at a disadvantage.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

There’s a possibility that every candidate identifies as a woman and the majority are actually male.

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

I have no view.

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?

Sex is a protected characteristic and allowing a male to identify as a woman is not only discriminatory but also harmful.

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

There is no quality in undermining women.

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

Most of the population are sensible people and recognise the difference between males and females, if someone can lie about that, how can they be trusted with anything else?

Anything else?

It must be clearly understood, especially in government, that sex is the protected characteristic, not gender. The reason I say that is so women can be fairly represented.