SCECLB445 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)?

It should be the best candidate irrespective of sex but women should be encourage to be put forward for election. If you restrict anyone you can end up being forced to accept mediocrity.

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

Again you may be forcing mediocre candidates on the electorate with this move. It must also be stated that by women you will mean biological woman. If this is not stated then the whole exercise is meaningless.

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?

Women must be encouraged to stand on their merit and not think of it as an easy way into politics.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Men may take advantage by declaring themselves as women and being shortlisted on to women’s lists. It must be biological women or it means nothing.

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

If they really cared about the impacts they would be streamlining the Senedd with less members and more scrutiny on spending and effectiveness as at the moment it is a joke.

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?

Need to clarify if they mean sex or gender upfront in information or the rest of the information is meaningless and important aspect must not be inserted without public scrutiny

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

I fear that legislation is often passed with more regard  for ECHR than for the general public and the impacts it will have on them.

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

I fear this will turn Wales into an overgoverned nanny state where the electorate are told what will happen rather than asked what is important to them. Bad decisions are taken ie Cardiff Airport, Green Man Farm. Speedway race track, no road building!, 20 mph, with little or no consultation but we are picking up the bill.

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

Yes clarify sex or gender or give it a proper description of women or those who identify as women.

Anything else?

Why is Brexit on the next page. We have left so why are you still spending time on discussing it instead of concentrating on Welsh initiatives for the future, not the past.