Natasha Asghar, the Conservative Casnewydd Islwyn MS, said the Supreme Court’s decision on biological sex was crystal clear and maintained that anyone exercising basic common sense should recognise the ruling.
She made the comments in the Welsh Government’s questions to Counsel General Elfyn Llwyd on Tuesday, October 20.
Asghar referred to remarks delivered by Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams on October 11.
During International Day of the Girl, Williams had highlighted the need for people in Wales to handle menstruation with dignity, confidence and pride.
Asghar argued that women and girls, rather than people generally, experience periods, and described any suggestion to the contrary as absurd.
The Conservative member asked Llwyd what steps would ensure that the Welsh Government and other public bodies follow the law and protect the rights of women and girls.
Llwyd said the Government would comply with the legislation, adding that responsibility rested with him to ensure relevant policies were drawn up in accordance with the law.
Reform MS Francesca O’Brien sought details of the legal advice supplied to the Welsh Government about whether policymaking was compatible with the Equality Act 2010.
She also cited a £5,000 grant introduced by the previous Labour administration for members of ethnic minorities pursuing teacher training.
The Plaid Cymru Government had continued the scheme, which O’Brien characterised as anti-white discrimination.
She requested publication of any legal guidance provided to the Welsh Government on the policy, but Llwyd declined, stating that equalities law exists to protect minority groups and people exposed to discrimination and harassment.
He said this purpose reflected the Welsh Government’s values.
O’Brien also raised the proposed Welsh inquiry into grooming gangs and whether the Welsh Government could examine how devolved services had failed children and young women.
Referring to Section 29 of the Inquiries Act, she asked Llwyd to confirm the Government’s legal authority to establish such an inquiry.
Llwyd confirmed that the power existed, while advising that it would be prudent to wait for the conclusions and recommendations of the ongoing national inquiry.