Hon members, on Tuesday, 18 July 2013, after the speech by hon J J McGluwa, hon Kubayi raised a point of order requesting that I make a ruling regarding whether a remark made by hon McGluwa during his speech was parliamentary or not. I undertook to study the Hansard and return to the House with a ruling. Having now had an opportunity to study the Unrevised Hansard, I wish to rule as follows.
According to the Unrevised Hansard, hon McGluwa stated:
The core function of this Parliament is about oversight; it is not about sexist members who come here and look around to see what the opposition benches are wearing.
I would like to emphasise that, where there have been instances in the past in which hon members have made sexist remarks directed at other hon members, such remarks were dealt with firmly by the Chair. Sexist remarks have always been ruled to be offensive as they detract from the dignity and decorum of this House.
Where issues have been dealt with by the Chair, it is expected that members, including you, hon McGluwa, adhere to the Rulings given and not revisit these matters, either in an explicit or implicit manner.
While the remark in this instance cannot be ruled as unparliamentary owing to its general nature, I wish to remind hon members that all members are honourable and every member should therefore act towards other hon members with the same decorum and respect that he or she expects from them.
I also want to appeal to hon members to exercise their right to freedom of speech in a considerate and responsible manner, and in doing so, to moderate their language and to refrain from using expressions that detract from the dignity and decorum of this House. I thank you. [Applause.]