SCECLB283 Ruth Livingstone

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 Ruth Livingstone | Evidence from Ruth Livingstone

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)?

Generally approve. We need more women in politics.

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

I am concerned that men will say they are women and have their names entered instead of a woman’s name. We know this has already happened in other countries, e.g. Brazil

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?

One unintended consequence is that men will declare they have transitioned into women (an impossible feat from a biological point of view) and take the place of women on the list. This has already happened in areas that have similar rules.

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?

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

Anything that increases the number of women in positions of political power is a good thing. By women, I mean biological women, and not a man in a frock.