SCECLB233 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)?

Yes, I support changing the law to increase gender balance among candidates for Senedd elections. This would create a wider diversity of views and makes parliament more representative of the population it serves. There is also a growing body of evidence that demonstrates that countries with greater female representation at the highest levels remove legal inequality between men and women, and are deemed to be more prosperous.

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

I agree with the above. There needs to be enforcement and potential sanctions for non-compliance.

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?

Biological women need to make up the Senedd candidates, and not biological males making up the seats. Biological males, even if they identify as being women, should not represent biological women and girls. Sex and gender are separate protected characteristics and should not be conflated. It would also be unfair on biological women if natal males were instated in their place. Representation needs to be proportionate in a way that reflects the population.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Perhaps the aim of more balance between the sexes in the Senedd would be compromised by instating natal males who identify with being women in place of biological women.

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

I am concerned that seats would be taken up by natal males and not biological women. I am not implying that natal males who identify as women should not have seats in the Senedd, but not in place of biological women.

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?

I am concerned when the term 'gender' is used. I do agree that biological women need more representation in the Senedd. However, gender is not the same as sex. All of the full range of protected characteristics, including gender, should be represented in the Senedd, but not at the expense of natal women.

Do you have any views on matters relating to the legislative competence of the Senedd including compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights?

The European Convention on Human Rights, recognises that gender and sex are separate protected categories. Also, the highest court in Scotland has told the Scottish government that its policy that "trans women are women," and defining women entirely based on self-ID and treating males who identify as women as the same as women is unlawful.

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

Perhaps there needs to be a rethink.