SCECLB407 Jeanette Paletta

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 Jeanette Paletta | Evidence from Jeanette Paletta

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)?

The Llywydd, single most important office in the Senedd, has told the Senedd that this bill does not have legislative compliance.

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

If the Welsh Government continue to try to enforce this policy it will end up in the Supreme Court. This will be detrimental to the reputation of Wales and be of great financial cost which we 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?

It doesn’t comply with the 2010 Equality Act.

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?

Equality legislation is not devolved.

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?

Equality legislation isn’t devolved. Welsh Government has been told this bill is flawed by the Llywydd

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

The fact that the this bill states that a gender statement is all that is required for anyone to be counted as a women. It’s sex not gender. This is open to abuse and anyone could claim to be a woman. This bill doesn’t comply with UK law.

Anything else?

Nothing in this bill will encourage women to stand for office.