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Political Process

Comprehensive information on the legal framework, your rights and issues of concern that must be challenged in Great Britain on political process is available on the Stonewall website. Click here to visit.

The following information is specific to the Welsh context, legal powers, advice services and policy development.

National Assembly for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government

Laws passed by the UK Parliament at Westminster still apply in Wales. However, the National Assembly for Wales has devolved responsibility and powers to develop and implement policy on a range of issues such as education, health and social services, housing, local government, agriculture and economic development. More recently the Welsh Assembly Government can be granted the right to make law in specific areas by means of applying to Westminster for a Legislative Competency Order (LCO).

The Assembly was established through the Government of Wales Act 1998. Section 120 and s.48 of the Act commit the Assembly, Welsh Assembly Government, Local Government and Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies (ASPBs) to promote equality for ALL people in Wales, in the exercise of its duties and functions.

This is a unique equality duty, and effectively means that lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Wales should be able to be confident that public services will be delivered equitably in Wales. Further, that historical injustices will be addressed through policies that promote equality for ALL.

Stonewall Cymru advises National Assembly and Welsh Assembly government about the needs of LGB people in Wales in health and education etc., so that policy making takes account of the need to tackle discrimination, bullying or harassment, and meet LGB service users needs.

State of the parties in the Welsh Assembly

Labour 30
Plaid Cymru 12
Conservatives 11
Liberal Democrats 6
Independent 1

Total: 60

The Assembly delegates its executive powers (the making and implementing of decisions and laws) to the First Minister. The First Minister in turn delegates responsibility for delivering executive functions to Assembly Ministers, who form the Cabinet. The Cabinet makes many of the Assembly's day to day decisions, and its Ministers are responsible for individual subject areas such as health, social justice and regeneration and education.

For more information on the National Assembly for Wales in English please go to: www.assemblywales.org
For more information on the Welsh Assembly Government in English please go to: www.wales.gov.uk.

For more information on the National Assembly for Wales in Welsh please go to: www.cynulliadcymru.org/index
For more information on the Welsh Assembly Government in Welsh please go to: www.cymru.gov.uk.

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