SCECLB456 Samira Abdi

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 Samira Abdi | Evidence from Samira Abdi

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)?

I find this Bill's proposals discriminatory against women as there is no compliance with the Equality Act 2010 regarding the protected characteristics of sex by introducing self-ID. In addition, it does not have the legislative competence as stated by the Llywydd.

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

The legal definition of a woman in the UK is female of any age and sex is a protected characteristic in the Equality Act 2010. Therefore, this proposal is unnecessary and absurd.

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?

The Bill does not have legislative competence to implement it. There's no compliance with the Equality Act 2010. There's an introduction to Self-ID which the Senedd have powers o do so.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Equalities legislation is not devolved in Wales, therefore there is a huge potential for a legal challenge from the UK government and individuals.

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

It is worrying that the Welsh Government wasted financial resources trying to achieve

unlawful goals.

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?

The Senedd does not have the legislative competence.

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

The Bill does not address the barriers faced by women of colour or faith. The EIA are inadequate and doesn't reflect the actual impact on the protected characteristics groups of sex, race and religion.

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

The Bill is unlawful, and a waste of financial resources.

Anything else?

I hope the Welsh Government and the Senedd cancel their membership to the Stonewall Diversity programme. It's against Nolan principles and harmful to democracy in Wales.