SCECLB330 Jennifer Anne Raynor

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 Jennifer Anne Raynor | Evidence from Jennifer Anne Raynor

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 is not needed. Both sexes have been well represented in the Senedd. Voters need to be confident that the best person has been chosen to stand for election.

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

I think this is outside the competence of the Senedd.

It would reflect a double standard within Wales. Many sports are now ensuring the safety and fairness for women by regulating and checking on the sex of players.

There is no definition of ‘woman’, a Transwoman is a man. The difference between the 2 sexes in the skeleton and internal physiology of the 2 sexes cannot be changed by mere assertion.

This proposal removes real compliance and renders the compliance officer as useless.

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 proposed Bill is outside the competence of the Senedd. This has been acknowledged by your own legal officers and advisors.

The proposed Bill conflicts with existing legislation on Equality.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Trying to pursue activities outside the competence of the Senedd is having a negative impact on the ongoing negotiations regarding youth justice and probation. If you cannot act legally why would any new powers be granted?

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

There seems to be no assessment of the costs of legal challenge at constituency level of national level of ignoring the Llywydd’s statement that the proposal is outside the competence of the Senedd.

This has a very damaging effect on ongoing and future plans for more devolved powers. Why give more if the Senedd does not understand its present powers?

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?

No.

Welsh Ministers lack the knowledge and understanding of legal advice to make subordinate legislation.

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?

The Bill is poorly drafted, ignores Equality legislation, anti democratic.

It is taking time and funding away from present struggling services such as health and public transport.

The Bill does nothing to remove the real barriers to women standing for political office e.g. quality childcare.

Gender self ID does not help women.

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

This is very un-democratic bill, removing the constituency representative from the Senedd.

It is an attempt to introduce self ID for men who want to think they are women.

Anything else?

The Bill will meet serious legal challenge in the courts because it is in conflict with existing legislation.

It should be scrapped. The future of Wales should not be dependent on an out of date agreement between Labour and Plaid.