SCECLB354 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)?

I would like to say I support the move but am very disappointed that the proposals relate to Gender rather than sex. When you state you want the Senedd to better reflect the gender makeup do you mean you will include anyone who identifies as a woman? If so I would be totally opposed.

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

I do not believe this is robust or realistic and it may bring the Senedd and legislative process into public ridicule. To say the officials should take on face value that someone who presents and says they are a woman undermines the whole purpose of the exercise

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?

I think the legislation will be open to legal challenge.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Yes legal challenges due to the ambiguity of using gender rather than sex.

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

I don't believe they have anticipated potential legal challenges and the associated costs.

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?

I think this is fundamentally flawed.

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?

I think it will be a retrograde step for women's rights and will lead to uncertainty and potentially reduce women in public life.

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

I just think you should reflect on what has happened in Scotland and I think the feelings are shared by many people in Wales. Equality and representation of all minority groups should be key priorities in future legislation but this cannot happen by using the term gender instead of sex.