Exercise of freedom of speech

  1. The Senate considers that, in speaking in the Senate or in a committee, senators should take the following matters into account:
    1. the need to exercise their valuable right of freedom of speech in a responsible manner;
    2. the damage that may be done by allegations made in Parliament to those who are the subject of such allegations and to the standing of Parliament;
    3. the limited opportunities for persons other than members of Parliament to respond to allegations made in Parliament;
    4. the need for senators, while fearlessly performing their duties, to have regard to the rights of others; and
    5. the desirability of ensuring that statements reflecting adversely on persons are soundly based.
  2. The President, whenever the President considers that it is desirable to do so, may draw the attention of the Senate to the spirit and the letter of this resolution.

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