Good afternoon, colleagues. I will now provide my ruling on the point of order raised by Mr. Lafferty in the House yesterday.
This is a sensitive issue involving real people with real life problems and responsibilities. Mr. Bromley did seek my advice before reading his constituent’s poem, but only in regard to the use of offensive language.
Upon review of the entire text, I feel that the poem made clear reference to an individual who is not a Member of the House and, thus, not able to defend herself publicly.
Colleagues, there are two sides to every story. It is against our rules to use our privileges in this House to make insulting or damaging remarks about people who cannot respond. Although Mr. Bromley was reading something written by a constituent, Members are not allowed to do indirectly what they are prevented from doing directly.
Members, there have been several times during this session when negative things have been said about individuals who are not Members of this House. We are here to debate issues, not to use our positions to criticize the work of people who can’t defend themselves. There are more appropriate ways to do that if a Member feels the need. As your Speaker, I will take a hard line on issues like this from now on.
I rule that the Member for Monfwi has a point or order. I direct that all references to the individual in question be deleted from Hansard.
I will now call upon Mr. Bromley to retract his remarks and apologize to the House.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the day in question, I read into the House a poem, a piece of art, social art, if you will…
The debate is over. I am seeking an apology to the House. Mr. Bromley.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I recognize that. The poem contained a person’s first name. I should have caught this and questioned it, but I did not. If in so doing I caused unintended offence to anyone, I apologize to both them and this House. Further, Mr. Speaker, I will be on guard to make sure that I will not do this again. Mahsi.
