SCECLB370 Linda Ferguson
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'm not sure what you mean by "gender
make-up", there are males and females. Some of these may not
identify as such but with the Welsh Parliament having previously
achieved 50/50, the Bill is unnecessary.
What are your views on the system of enforcement and potential
sanctions for non-compliance proposed in the Bill?
The Bill requirement for a 'gender statement'
i.e.you are, or are not, a woman is without definition. I assume
you mean sex. How will you know who is a woman, how will you
challenge it. It is open to abuse. Self declaration is not the law
in the UK.
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 Bill is discriminatory as it does not
comply with the 2010 Equality Act.
Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the
Bill?
The Bill supports women already standing but
removes no barriers which prevent women in general standing for
political office.
What are your views on the Welsh Government’s assessment
of the financial and other impacts of the Bill?
If this Bill goes to the Supreme Court, this
will be costly and damaging to 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?
Equalities legislation is a reserved matter,
not devolved.
Do you have any views on matters relating to the legislative
competence of the Senedd including compatibility with the European
Convention on Human Rights?
The Bill has no legislative competence. It is
likely to end up in the Supreme Court.
Do you have any views on matters related to the quality of the
legislation, or to the constitutional or other implications of the
Bill?
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?