SCECLB256 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)?

As a Welsh citizen, I just want the best person for the job. Tick box exercises get us nowhere.

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

If they are required to make a statement that they are a woman or not a woman (I.e. a man), they should be honest. In other words, a female should disclose that they are women and a male should say they are a man. If somebody does not disclose this, there would not be the ‘fair’ gender representation that is being sought, as men claiming to be women cannot possibly reflect true and honest data. I could not care less, man or woman, who puts themselves forward to be a candidate. I agree that sanctions should be given and the fact that this declaration would be taken at ‘face value’ is dangerous.

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?

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

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

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?