SCECLB364 Floey Crosswaite

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 Floey Crosswaite | Evidence from Floey Crosswaite

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)?

Firstly I need to be clear what you mean by Gender, my sociology degree taught me that gender is a socially constructed femininity and masculinity.

As a feminist I reject socially constructed gender as a set of sexist and oppressive stereotypes. I don't care if women have short hair and hairy legs or indeed if blokes have long hair and wear make (although in general I believe that make up is part of the sexist beauty standards imposed on women by sexism and should be avoided by all).

what I do care about is the representation of women in all aspects of life, the representation of the subjects which affect women and which have traditionally been devalued and labelled feminine.

I feel proud to live Wales where the Senedd has one of the best records for female representation in the world.

I think think that Welsh politicians should be less performatively "feminist" and more radical in their actions and rhetoric, prioritising male violence against women and girls and women's poverty.

I do not think that this bill actually addresses any of the barriers to women's participation in politics in Wales. we need women to be more confident, women to have access to training in skills like public speaking, women to have access to high quality, affordable flexible childcare. these will enable women to take part in all aspects of public life successfully.

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

This sounds unworkable and unverifiable. if there is no actual verification.

why are you asking for 50% women rather than capping male representation at 50%? Why aren't you asking for proof ie production of birth certificates?

Not sure why this is necessary when the Senedd has never had less than 40% women.

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?

Does the Welsh government have legislative competence to introduce this Bill, the Llywydd agrees with that assessment.

If men are permitted to self ID as women for electoral lists in Wales, it would be a first step to self ID.

And, just as in the Scotland GRR disaster, would impact self ID across the UK.

The Secretary of State for Wales has concerns too.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

this is just a further muddying the waters of women's rights, by allowing men to self ID as women with no safeguards or proof required. It could result in the number of female members of the Senedd actually being reduced.

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

This bill, Like the Scottish GRR will lead to damage to the reputation of Wales and potentially in court costing the people of Wales.

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?