Point of Order
May 15, 2014
Displays, exhibits and props
Hon. Andrew Scheer
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
The Deputy Speaker:
I think we are all aware of the general policies that we have followed in this House for a long period of time on the use of props and also [on] wearing pins and other paraphernalia. I will respond to the whip in particular in this regard.
The general rule, of course, is that pins and paraphernalia are not to be worn if [doing so] causes disruption to the House. I am a bit concerned about the point of order being raised now, because these pins have been worn for at least a week or 10 days, as has been my observation, to this point in time. Therefore, I am having some difficulty accepting any suggestion that it is causing disruption, because if it [were], points of order would obviously have been raised earlier in this process.
Again, speaking to the Members who are wearing the pins, if it is going to cause a problem at some point today, we may very well reverse the position that I am now taking, which is that Members can continue to wear the pins. However, if it is disruptive to the process in the House, there will be a direction from the Chair to have the pins removed.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"Members may continue to wear the pins as they have not yet caused a disruption, but the Chair will order their removal if they become disruptive to the proceedings."
AI Summary
The Speaker denied a point of order against wearing pins, ruling they were not disruptive as no prior complaint had been made, but warned they would be banned if they caused disorder.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Conciliatory
- Procedural Stage
- Not specified in text
- Significance
Low
High