SCECLB306 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)?

Biological sex is important in terms of equal representation but not gender. Biological females understand the female experience.

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

It is ridiculous to allow people to decide what gender to tell you they are and simply accept that. It would not be considered acceptable for people to self certify as disabled and be given assistance based on that. So why is it acceptable for a man to self certify as a woman and gain the advantage of entering an all women shortlist, for example, or taking a place designated for a woman? That totally negates equality of opportunity. You might as well not bother with female quotas if they aren’t actually for females.

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?

Allowing men to pose as women and take their representative places.

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?

In terms of respect for the protected characteristic of sex, this legislation is awful.