SCECLB338 Mary Curran

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 Mary Curran | Evidence from Mary Curran

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)?

This Bill does not remove any of the barriers that prevent women standing for political office. It allows males to self-ID as women to stand for political office by completing a  'gender statement' that they are a 'woman' .  It does not define any terms and the lack of any enforcement or any ability to inspect or challenge a 'gender statement' means this will inevitably be open to abuse.

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

This Bill does not remove any of the barriers that prevent women standing for political office. It allows males to self-ID as women to stand for political office by completing a  'gender statement' that they are a 'woman' .  It does not define any terms and the lack of any enforcement or any ability to inspect or challenge a 'gender statement' means this will inevitably be 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. Equalities legislation is not devolved. It is a reserved matter.. The Llywydd has already made a clear statement to that effect.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

That men could identify as women to stand as candidates and so the representation of actual (biological) women could decline.

The Bill is likely to end up in the Supreme Court, meaning damage to the reputation of Wales and huge financial cost, which the Welsh public cannot afford.

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

The Bill is likely to end up in the Supreme Court, meaning damage to the reputation of Wales and huge financial cost, which the Welsh public cannot afford.

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?

Self ID is not the law in the UK. his Bill is discriminatory. It is not 'a proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim'. It fails to comply with the Equality Act 2010.

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

Anything else?

The Bill is not needed, the Senedd has achieved 50/50 previously.  The Bill does not remove any of the barriers that prevent women standing for political office.