Order! Hon members, on Tuesday, 2 November 2010, during members' statements, the hon M J Ellis raised a point of order, objecting to allegations in a statement made by the hon P J Gelderblom. I undertook at that time to consult 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. After studying the hon Gelderblom's input, I can confirm that serious aspersions were cast on the character of a member of this House. The hon Gelderblom started his statement by mentioning that the member in question was currently facing rape charges, a matter that is before the court for decision. He then expanded on his inference by mentioning further actions, which if true, would constitute reprehensible conduct on the part of that member.
It has been ruled often enough in this House that members may not make unsubstantiated allegations against or cast aspersions on other members. Members have a duty not to make insinuations or accusations of improper conduct on the part of their fellow members, without the matter complained of being clearly stated or the complaint properly substantiated. Couching such allegations in quotations, hypotheses, figures of speech or other semantic devices does not render them parliamentary.
I urgently call on all hon members not to refer to corrupt actions by other members, unless they seriously wish to have such actions investigated. Members who impute improper or unworthy motives, dishonesty or hypocrisy to their fellow members, through any means other than a substantive motion are themselves guilty of irregular conduct. They only succeed in lowering the tone of the debate and impairing the dignity of the House in the eyes of all our country's citizens.
In view of this, I rule hon Gelderblom's statement out of order and ask him to withdraw all allegations.