SCECLB11- P Little Brighouse, County Councillor, Powys County Council

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 Little Brighouse, Cynghorydd Sir, Cyngor Sir Powys | Evidence from Little Brighouse, County Councillor, Powys County Council

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)?

While I agree with the overall principles of the Bill, I have a serious concern regarding the enforcement of a outdated gender-binary within this proposed Bill.

As the first Non-Binary person in Wales to be elected as a County Councillor, this Bill would force me to be listed under a gender that I do not identify with.

I believe that not only does this bill excluded gender-noncomfiming peoples such as myself. But is also discriminatory and will act as a deterrent against other Transgender and Gender-nonconfirming people standing for election in the future and remove my community from being represented within Wales.

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

While I agree with the overall principles of the Bill, I have a serious concern regarding the enforcement of a outdated gender-binary within this proposed Bill.

As the first Non-Binary person in Wales to be elected as a County Councillor, this Bill would force me to be listed under a gender that I do not identify with.

I believe that not only does this bill excluded gender-noncomfiming peoples such as myself. But is also discriminatory and will act as a deterrent against other Transgender and Gender-nonconfirming people standing for election in the future and remove my community from being represented within Wales.

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 belive this places a barrier for other Transgender and Gender-noncomfiming people being engaged and represented in government. I don't not believe this Bill adequately takes this into account

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Preventing transgender and gender-noncomfiming people from not only standing for election and representing their communities, but also unfairly discriminates against anyone that does not confirm to a gender-binary

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?

There is a concern that excluding transgender and gender-noncomfiming people from this Bill and forcing us to identify as male/female is not compatible 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?

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?

I realise that not many in my community stand for election or succeed in becoming elected, however that shpuld not be reason enough to exclude us based on our marginalised identity.

I may be the first openly nonbinary County Councillor in Wales, but I will NOT be the last and this must be taken into account so that those who follow are accurately represent and not discriminated against due to their gender identity.

Including this community now may prevent unforeseen implications and complaints of discrimination in the future when other persons like myself become elected to represent our community.

It is already hard enough for people like me due to the so-called culture war and the violent discrimination we face, to become representatives. I urge you to consider our inclusion into politics and access to democracy.