Hon members, as I mentioned during Parliament's Budget Vote debate last week, the other presiding officers and I have become extremely concerned about the tone of debates in this House and the challenges of maintaining the decorum of the House. In the light of the seriousness with which I view this issue, I have decided to deliver the following statement. I will also make it available.
Firstly, it is so that members have freedom of speech in this House, and this is a right that must be cherished and protected at all times. However, every right comes with responsibilities and this principle also applies to freedom of speech. It is your responsibility, hon members, to uphold the decorum and dignity of this House. It is your responsibility, hon members, to avoid offensive or unbecoming language. And, it is your responsibility, hon members, to respect the authority of the Chair at all times.
We simply cannot allow political discourse and debate to degenerate into aggressive confrontation between members. Democracy and freedom of speech are not about aggressive confrontations, but about tolerance, respect for different points of view and different opinions and, of course, the willingness to agree to disagree without stepping over the bounds of decency. Remarks of a racist, sexist, personal and hurtful nature are out of order - completely out of order.
I therefore appeal to members - as public representatives - to refrain from resorting to coarse, uncouth or unbecoming language that detracts from the dignity and decorum of the House.
I now wish to proceed to give some outstanding rulings.