SCECLB317 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)?

Mandating quotas coupled with gender recognition creates a new system for men to game the system. We already see in many areas of business and government men changing their gender in order to advance themselves. This also does not remove any barriers for real women to gain office.

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

It will be contested and be a waste of money and resources Wales cannot afford.

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?

Court cases, issues with central government as equalities act is not devolved responsibility, and women thinking “there is no point” as anyone can get access to this advantage.

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

Wales cannot afford to waste legal costs on this

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?

It continues to demote women to something that you can just be because you say you are. It is not protecting sex.

Are there any other issues that you would like to raise about the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum or any related matters?

The listing of candidates in a party’s chosen order allows a group of unelected people to impose their bias on the wider electorate.

The people should be able to vote freely.

This feels and will likely look like gerrymandering.

It will be much less expensive to set up a political internship program for both men and women and support them as they learn how to support society.

This is a long term strategy not a short term point winning, data scoring approach.