MERCHED CYMRU CANDIDATE SURVEY: RESULTS FROM THE MAIN PARTIES May 2021

The two tables below collect the responses received from candidates across the five main parties in , with candidates listed by constituency. The regional list candidates (many of whom are also constituency candidates) are shown at the bottom.

Note that we have updated this table on the evening of 5 May to reflect some late responses, and the corresponding summary on the main page..

Constituency Candidate Response Candidate Response Candidate Name Response Name Name WELSH PLAID CYMRU CONSERVATIVES Aberavon Victoria Griffiths Liz Hill O'Shea Aberconwy Dawn Aaron It’s selfID (verbal) Janet Finch- McGuinness Wynne Saunders Alyn and Deeside Jack Sargeant Jack Morris Abigail Mainon Arfon Iwan Wyn Jones Siân I am committed to fighting for equality Gwenllian for trans people. Having secured recurrent funding for a Wales Gender Identity Clinic, will work to improve the provision and ensure timely access to its services and support. I support the reform of the Gender Recognition Act to introduce a streamlined, de-medicalised process based on self-declaration and in line with international best practice. We will seek the devolution of powers necessary to introduce this change and will uphold trans people's right to continue to access services and facilities in accordance with their gender identity. (on follow up) As far as trans rights are concerned, I think it's about acceptance. Transwomen are women if that is their choice and Tony Thomas preferred identity. For many the transition follows years of unimaginable trauma and torment. The examples of men abusing this right to attack women are few and far between but must of course be dealt with - but denying trans people the right to self-identify is not the correct way of dealing with male violence against women. Far more common than false claims of transition is the bullying and intimidation of trans people by other members of society. It reminds me of the way gay people were shunned and I condemn homophobia and transphobia and I will work to get rid of them. I will also continue to strongly advocate women's rights as I have done for the past 45 years. That includes the right to personal privacy. I hope this explains my position about which I have thought long and hard.

Blaenau Gwent Edward Dawson Brecon and Radnorshire Gethin Jones Grenville Ham James Evans Bridgend Sarah Murphy Leanne Rachel Nugent- Lewis Finn Caerphilly Steven Mayfield Central Wiliam Calum Davies Rees Cardiff North Joel Williams Cardiff South and Vaughan Nasir Leighton Penarth Gething Adam Rowlands Cardiff West Rhys ab Many thanks for your email. Yes, I agree Sean Driscoll Thank you for contacting me on Owen with the women's sex based rights. Any this important issue. amendment will need to be carefully thought through and take into account YES! the special status of women’s refuge, health services etc. Also via Twitter No I would not support a blanket ban on trans women from all female only hospital wards.

(Recorded as a No) Carmarthen East and Rob James Havard Hughes Dinefwr Carmarthen West and Riaz Hassan Cefin Sam Kurtz South Pembrokeshire Campbell Ceredigion Dylan Lewis- Giving a one word answer can be Amanda Jenner Rowlands dangerous, and I am answering without knowing whether anything lies behind the question, but if it is a choice between one and the other, then Yes I do. (translated from Cymraeg by MC)

Clwyd South Llyr Barbara Hughes Gruffydd Clwyd West Joshua Hurst Elin Walker Jones

Cynon Valley Geraint Mia Rees Benney Delyn Paul Mark Isherwood Rowlinson Dwyfor Meirionnydd Cian Ireland Gower Rebecca Evans Welsh Labour’s drive toward John Myles Langstone LGBTQ+ equality continues, but until Davies every person can be their true self, living free from fear, we still have work to do.

Welsh Labour recognises our common humanity and celebrates diversity, and difference. The more we work together, the more likely we are to achieve positive change. That is why we actively support progressive networks, campaigns and organisations that are working towards an equal society.

In terms of our manifesto for the elections, we have made it clear that even though we have come a long way, there is much left to do. Welsh Labour will explore all available powers to ban LGBTQ+ conversion therapy and seek the devolution of any necessary additional powers. We will work to devolve the Gender Recognition Act and support the Trans community. We will incorporate the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women and explore legislation to address pay gaps based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability and other forms of discrimination.

You can read more about our plans here: https://movingforward.wales/

Welsh Labour is steadfast in our commitment to equality and ensuring everyone can live their lives safely and freely.

(recorded as a No)

Islwyn Rhianon Rhys Mills Gavin Chambers Yes you have my support Passmore Llanelli Helen Stefan Mary Jones Ryszewski[ and Ian Donna Gavin Rhymney Gwynne Monmouth Catrin Maby Hugh Peter Fox Kocan Montgomeryshire Kait Duerden Elwyn Vaughan Neath Sioned Mathew Williams Williams Newport East John Griffiths Thank you for your email. Daniel Gareth Rhys As the Welsh Labour candidate for Llewellyn Hughes Newport East I am very pleased to support the sex based rights under the Equality Act. Newport West Jonathan Michael Enea Clark Ogmore Huw Irranca- Luke Nathan Adams Davies Fletcher[ Pontypridd I fully support the Equality act and Heledd Plaid Cymru supports the reform of the was instrumental in the Fychan Gender Recognition Act to introduce a implementation of section 1 streamlined, de-medicalised process recently based on self-declaration and in line (follow up; Thank you very much for your reply. I think it is important that with international best practice. women can voice our opinions about our sex-based rights, particularly the The proposed changes to the Gender right to single sex services where Recognition Act will not affect the appropriate, as is lawful under the exemptions under the Equality Act single sex exemptions provided for (2010) for single-sex services. under the Equality Act of 2010. This includes changing rooms, toilets, (Recorded as a No) domestic violence refuges and other areas such as intimate personal care where females may be vulnerable and require dignity and privacy. I am concerned that this is not being recognised by several politicians or understood or followed by employers, public institutions, and other service providers. I am concerned that politicians acknowledge that sex is a protected characteristic and refers to a male or female of any age, to cite the EHRC Statutory Code, and is as equally important as all the protected characteristics in the Equality Act of 2010. He has not yet replied))

Preseli Pembrokeshire Jackie Jones Cris Tomos Rhondda Elizabeth Buffy Leanne Thomas Parkhilll Williams Wood Swansea East Rhiannon Cameron Barrar Brennan Swansea West Dai Lloyd Samantha Chohan Torfaen Lyn Gruff Parry Yes, absolutely! More than Ackerman happy to talk to you about this over the phone if that suits. Vale of Clwyd Jason McLellan Glenn Gareth Davies Swingler Vale of Glamorgan I am in full support of the Equality Richard Matt Smith Act 2010 and its intentions to Grigg uphold and advance women’s rights. I am proud that our manifesto sets our a clear ambition for Wales to become the safest country in Europe to be a woman. I do not believe women’s single sex spaces and sport are under threat and it is important that these issues are sensitively discussed if there are concerns.

(As a follow up we asked her: to consider the fact that there are already men who identify as women playing in women's sports in Wales. [Our] understanding is that Stonewall are lobbying to ensure that this informal policy becomes the norm. Males are stronger, larger and faster than females. they have greater lung capacity, more muscles and a longer reach. Could you please explain how their inclusion in female sports does not impact on women's safety and opportunities, let alone on the concept of fairness. She has not yet replied.)

(We have recorded this as a Yes, but note that in government Ms Hutt has been completely resistant to our requests for any discussion -sensitive or otherwise – of our concerns.) Carrie Jeremy Kent Harper Ynys Môn Samantha Rhun ap Lyn Hudson Egelstaff Iorwerth

Regions

Mid and West Wales Eluned Morgan Cefin Tomos Davies Campbell Helen Amanda Jenner Mary Jones Helen Taylor Elwyn Liz Lesnianski Vaughan Ben Gwalchmai Cris Tomos Aled Davies

North Wales Llyr Huw Plaid Cymru supports the reform of the Mark Isherwood Gruffydd Gender Recognition Act to introduce a streamlined, de-medicalised process based on self-declaration and in line with international best practice.

This also reflects my view on the matter.

(Recorded as a No) Andy Short Carrie Harper Diane Green Elin Walker I’m also committed to women’s rights & Barbara Hughes Jones I think we have a long way to go. We need to build an equitable society where people are valued for who they are not for what personal or social characteristics they may have. I believe we should be teaching our children & young people at school, how to respect and value each other – as a core issue. Wellbeing and citizenship, relationships, mental health, are as, if not more important than academic subjects in my view.

(Recorded as a No) Ryan O’Gorman Of course I fully support the equality Catrin Gareth Davies act to it's fullest legal requirements. Wagner However, I also recognise the need for safe spaces for women (biologically) in situations where their safety is the top concern. The work women's refuges do for example is invaluable in achieving this, and for that reason I would support excluding any person deemed a risk to women's safety. I'm assuming that you are well versed regarding the equality act so I won't insult your intelligence, protected characteristics are and should be upholded in law.

(Recorded as a Yes) Gonul Daniels South Wales Central Dan De'Ath Fflur Elin Adrian Robson Maliika Kaaba I can confirm that I support the Sahar Al- Sian Elin Equality Act 2010, which include Faifi Melbourne single-sex spaces and opportunities.

Owain Williams Sean Driscoll Ruba Peredur Andrew R T Sivagnanam Owen Davies Griffiths Peredur Owen Griffiths South Wales East Peter Jones Rhys Mills Mary Ann Delyth Matthew Evans Brocklesby Jewell Majid Rahman Nick Evans Helen I support women's rights as set out Luke Laura Anne Cunningham in the Equality Act 2010, which are Fletcher Jones rooted in the protected characteristic of sex (amongst nine protected characteristics). It is such an important piece of legislation, one that I'm proud was introduced by the last UK Labour government. I wish to see the Act upheld and fully implemented. John Davies South Wales West Kevin Pascoe Jamie Evans Sian James Neelo Farr Tom Giffard Mahaboob I have looked at the pledges and Altaf Hussain Basha concluded that I support them and would be delighted to bring them forward if elected to the Senedd. I will be continue to be voice of voiceless whether I elected to Senedd or not. I have sign the pledge, and like you, many of the well wishers on this subject have already be in touch with me , and I have reply them all. Please do not hesitate to bring further causes to my attention, I am very passionate about representing what people care about.

(Recorded as a No.) Liz Hill O’shea

Constituency Candidate Response Candidate Name Response Name THE GREEN LIBERAL DEMOCRATS PARTY Aberavon Helen Clarke Aberconwy Rhys Jones Alyn and Deeside Chris Twells Thank you for your enquiry and thank you for helping promote my views so the electorate can make informed decisions heading to the ballot box. As a gay man I take equality very seriously. I subscribe completely to the core Liberal Democrat belief that trans rights are human rights. I refuse to promote any agenda of intolerance or build barriers on racial, sexual or identity grounds. I wholeheartedly support the rights of all individuals to self-identify. If we want a strong Wales, with a progressive government, then we have to stand up to intolerance. We have to embrace every opportunity to promote equality and equity. Our focus should be on creating safe spaces for everyone. Women, including those who self- identify, should feel safe accessing services because we insist on the highest level of professionalism and the highest standard of care.

Your email requesting my views was attempting to tie responses into a simple yes or no question, which human rights and equalities often cannot be – other than to say "yes, I Constituency Candidate Response Candidate Name Response Name support human rights and equalities." Thank you again for reaching out to me, I hope you do record my response that I stand for an open, tolerant Wales and that I believe trans rights are human rights.

(Recorded as a No.) Arfon Calum Davies Paula Yates Brecon and Radnorshire Tired of having my safety William Powell used as a stick to diminish the rights of transwomen. We see you and we stand with you (This reply is to a tweet from one of our supporters. We are disappointed to see our supporters turned on by public figures in this way. https://twitter.com/Bets kibo/status/1388905061 087072258?s=20 for the Emily discussion.) Durrant Bridgend Harvey Jones Caerphilly Steve Aicheler Cardiff Central Ceri Davies Cardiff North Debra Rhys Taylor Cooper Cardiff South and Penarth Helen Alex Wilson Westhead Cardiff West David Griffin Responding to a question Marshall Thank you for your email. I support women’s rights and the Equality Act. As a liberal, I am about safeguarding a strong supporter of the fundamental values of equality and liberty. I want to see better affording rights to representation by women in the workplace and at board level among others. I want to see transgender people does more help for pregnant women and whilst on maternity leave; and childcare (please see not take rights away our party Manifesto). I want a modern Wales and U.K. from other people, (and as a follow-up) despite what some reject any discrimination based upon race, colour, religion, age, would like to have us all disability, sex or sexual orientation, and as such support the Equality Act 2010's provisions Constituency Candidate Response Candidate Name Response Name believe. In the past, in against discrimination on the basis of any of the protected characteristics included in the the USA, black women Act. were excluded from public toilets on the (Recorded as a yes, although not really answered the question about our rights to single pretext of safety. sex facilities.)

Carmarthen East and Monica M French Dinefwr Carmarthen West and Alistair Cameron South Pembrokeshire Ceredigion Harry Cadan ap Tomos Hayfield Clwyd South Leena Farhat In line with Welsh Liberal Democrat policy, I reject any discrimination based upon race, colour, religion, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation, and as such support the Equality Act 2010's provisions against discrimination on the basis of any of the protected characteristics included in the Act.

I’m afraid I do not agree with the analysis of Merched Cymru (or indeed of Fair Play For Women) that protecting trans women from discrimination on the basis of gender identity poses any substantial threat to the rights of women. Trans women are women and suffer many of the same oppressions cis women do, if not more because of rheotic such as yours. All women deserve to live free from discrimination, and facing one group’s rights off against another is unhelpful. As a cis queer woman, I do not feel it is right to gatekeep the definition of what it means to be a woman. I have been a proud advocate for trans rights as well as ensuring diversity and anti-discrimination is at the heart of what the Welsh Liberal Democrats do, as well as what Wales can do. My vision for Wales that I am working tirelessly towards is open, inclusive, intersectional and kind, it is a shame yours isn't.

(Recorded as a No.) Clwyd West David Wilkins Thank you for your enquiry and thank you for helping promote my views so the electorate can make informed decisions heading to the ballot box.

I subscribe completely to the LibDem core belief that trans rights are human rights. I refuse to promote any agenda of intolerance or build barriers on racial, sexual or identity grounds. I wholeheartedly support the rights of all individuals to self-identify. Constituency Candidate Response Candidate Name Response Name

If we want a strong Wales, with a progressive government, then we have to stand up to intolerance. We have to embrace every opportunity to promote equality and equity. Our focus should be on creating safe spaces for everyone. Women, including those who self- identify, should feel safe accessing services because we insist on the highest level of prossionalism and the highest standard of care. Your email requesting my views was attempting to tie responses into a simple yes or no question, which human rights and equalities often cannot be – other than to say "yes, I support human rights and equalities." I thank you again for reaching out to me, I hope you do record my response that I stand for an open, tolerant Wales and that I believe trans rights are human rights.

(Recorded as a No.)

Cynon Valley Gerald Francis Delyn Andrew Parkhurst Dwyfor Meirionnydd Stephen Churchman My answer is “Yes”

Gower Anna Pigott Michael Sheehan Islwyn Oliver Townsend This is not a question that lends itself easily to a yes or no question in the way you have phrased it. So I wanted to take some time to put my views firmly on record for this election.

I am a gay man, married to a trans man. We have been together for eleven years now, and were friends for some time before that. At every step of the way, I have seen how he has struggled, and none more so than in more recent years when organisations are pitting trans rights against some imagined attack on women’s rights. Life for him has become increasingly hard, with him scared of using public toilets, subjected to sustained undermining in the media towards trans people, and to see people we have fought alongside as allies over the years, starting to question his very existence.

I’m afraid I do not agree with the analysis of Merched Cymru (or indeed of Fair Play For Women) that protecting trans women from discrimination on the basis of gender identity poses any substantial threat to the rights of women. I believe that trans women are women and all women deserve to live free from discrimination. Trans women are women, and suffer many of the same oppressions cis women do and facing one set of rights off against another is unhelpful.

Constituency Candidate Response Candidate Name Response Name I would hope that in this election, you are able to reflect on the impact such binary views are having on people’s lives. Campaigns of this nature do very little to protect women’s rights, and instead only serve to accomplish the following:

Risk turning some members of the LGBT+ community against each other; Creating a false narrative that LGBT+ rights are being achieved at the expense of women; Allowing the creation of a ‘culture war’ led by the right wing, which use trans rights as a wedge issue to divide progressive people who support human rights; Recently, challenging the idea of Gillick competency, which has been used to secure young people’s access to abortion, something that women fought for decades for; Increasingly, the rhetoric of bathrooms and changing rooms being unsafe has led to an increased level of hostility towards cis lesbian women who choose to present in a less “traditionally feminine” way.

There are many, many more reasons why the campaign you are running will make life worse for women and LGBT+ people across Wales, and so I will not be supporting it in any way, other than being absolutely firm and resolute in the following commitments: I support women’s rights, and will remain a strong advocate for women’s services for my life in whatever role I hold in the future; I support trans rights, and will act in exactly the same way. I believe that trans women are women, and so are entitled to the same protections under the Equality Act as anyone.

Thank you for making contact, and I hope that conversations you have across the political spectrum during the election might engender understanding of and for trans people’s lives.

(Recorded as a No.) Llanelli Jon Burree Merthyr Tydfil and Jez Becker Rhymney Monmouth Ian Chandler Jo Watkins Montgomeryshire Alison Alexander Neath Megan Iain Clamp Poppy Lloyd Newport East Mike Hamilton Constituency Candidate Response Candidate Name Response Name Newport West Amelia John Miller Womack Ogmore Cameron Shippam Pontypridd Ken Barker Steven Rajam Preseli Pembrokeshire Tina Roberts Rhondda Jackie Charlton Swansea East Sam Bennett Swansea West Chris Evans Chloe Hutchinson Torfaen Veronica German Vale of Clwyd Lisa Davies Vale of Glamorgan Anthony Sally Stephenson Slaughter Wrexham Tim Sly Ynys Môn Chris Jones

Regions

Mid and West Wales Emily Durrant Tomos William Powell Barlow Harry Alistair Cameron Hayfield Marc Stephen Churchman Pearton- Scale

North Wales Iolo Jones Chris Twells Duncan Rees David Wilkins Adam Tim Sly Turner Linda Rogers Calum Davies Andrew Parkhurst

Rodney Berman South Wales Central Anthony Rhys Taylor Slaughter Constituency Candidate Response Candidate Name Response Name Helen Sally Stephenson Westhead David Griffin Steven Rajam Debra Cooper Jo Watkins South Wales East Amelia Veronica German Womack Ian Chandler Oliver Townsend Lauren Jez Becker James Stephen Priestnall Chloe Hutchinson South Wales West Megan Sam Bennett Poppy Lloyd Chris Evans Harvey Jones Alex Harris