SCECLB449 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)?

My view is that I object to the principles of the Bill, and the use of the ‘gender make-up of the population’. There has been 50/50 representation at the Senedd previously, so therefore an achievable goal. My concern with the use of the word ‘gender’ instead of ‘sex’ is that it will allow for men to Self ID as women, which is not representative of the population, and is not in law, therefore conflicting with the Equality Act 2010

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

My view is that all the Bill does is to state if someone is or isn’t a woman without defining specific terms, such as Biological Woman/adult human female.

With no enforcement or ability to challenge a gender statement will leave it open to abuse

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?

This bill does not have legislative competence and the Llwyydd has made a statement to that effect. Potential barriers is that it does not remove the barriers preventing Women standing for political posts.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Whether the consequences are Intended or unintended, this Bill is an act of discrimination against women and an attempt by the Senedd to implement Self ID unlawfully. It will allow for men to self ID as women unchallenged, so taking the place of a woman. This will do the opposite of actual representation and create more barriers for women wanting to represent in political office

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?

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

Define what a Woman is.