SCECLB206 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)?

This bill is a violation of gender equality to produce gender equity. The voter should have the right to choose candidates based on their views and policies, not to have the gender of the candidate as a key factor in if that candidate is able to represent people in the Senedd. This bill is not good for representative democracy in Wales. People should be treated as individuals in politics.

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

The bill is aim flawed and so therefore is the Enforcement and compliance. The implications of taking self identified gender at face value are obvious.

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?

Cost to LAs and the self-identified gender.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

This Bill may reduce the number of females (sex not gender) in the Senedd due to the self identification of gender and not allowing more than 50% of women in the Senedd that could occur under the current system. It is not gender equality by dividing between those who are a woman and those who are not a woman. This means you will enforce 50% of women in the Sendedd but not 50% of men because other genders will be included in the 'not men' category.

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

The negative impact on democracy far out weights the financial cost to LAs and the WG.

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?

This violates gender equality.

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

This violates gender equality.

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?

This Bill should not be carried forward. Any attempt to control 'diversity' or equity results in violation of equality of opportunity. This proposal is a prime example of this.