SCECLB350 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)?

If the bill relies on gender, and not sex, for increasing equality, then this will exacerbate inequality between biological men and women. The bill needs to use the word 'sex' and not 'gender'.

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

The language around sex and gender needs to be clarified, so that biological men cannot take advantage of loopholes.

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 unclear language around sex and gender will make it very easy for biological men to take advantage and self-ID as female in order to gain preferment.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

A rise in men self-identifying as women for the purposes of their careers, and a reduction in the number and representation of women.

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?