SCECLB197 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)?

It needs to be representative of the sex make-up of the population. The term gender has now become meaningless because women are being excluded from our own category.

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

This is offensive to women. Women are not feelings. We are biologically, physically, and physiologically different to men. It makes a mockery of the aims if anyone can claim to be a woman.

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?

See previous sections.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Yes. Women could be excluded.

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

Appear reasonable but surely a more sensible (and cheaper) starting point would actually be to address the problems with sexism in politics and society so that more women will be encouraged to enter politics. Better childcare provision and a strong emphasis on work-life balance would be better than having targets.

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?

It's highly offensive to women than we even have to justify why it's important that the focus is on sex and not gender. Make society fairer and do more to provide affordable childcare and more women will naturally enter politics. How can women feel valued and wanted when our worth is dismissed if anyone can claim to be a women?