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Exercise of Freedom of Speech

(1) That the Assembly considers that, in speaking in the Assembly or in a committee, Members should take the following matters into account:

(a) the need to exercise their valuable right of freedom of speech in a responsible manner;

(b) the damage that may be done by allegations made in the Legislative Assembly to those who are the subject of such allegations and to the standing of the Legislative Assembly;

(c) the limited opportunities for persons other than members of the Legislative Assembly to respond to allegations made in the Legislative Assembly;

(d) the need for Members, while fearlessly performing their duties, to have regard to the rights of others; and

(e) the desirability of ensuring that statements reflecting adversely on persons are soundly based.

(2) That the Speaker, whenever the Speaker considers that it is desirable to do so, may draw the attention of the Legislative Assembly to the spirit and the letter of this resolution.

(3) That this resolution have effect from the commencement of the Third Assembly and continue in force unless and until amended or repealed by this or a subsequent Assembly.

Essentially, these motions establish a procedure for a citizen's right of reply and the exercise of freedom of speech, which were recommendations of the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure in its report on standing orders and citizen's right of reply, which the Assembly debated this morning. Mr Speaker, this continues the process we put in place following the report of the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedures in the last Assembly, and provides, as the motions indicate, for the protection of persons and corporations referred to in the Legislative Assembly and an exercise of freedom of speech. I think it deals very adequately with the problem that began in the First Assembly, as I recall, and was finally resolved in the Second Assembly. The issue is fairly straightforward. The system has been in place, and I think it ought to continue.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

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