Point of Order
December 9, 1980
Use of term "McCarthyism"
Hon. Jeanne Sauvé
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
While the term "McCarthyism" is opprobrious, it has become part of the political vocabulary and therefore its use is subject to interpretation and debate. The Chair need not pronounce on its use. To be unparliamentary, the language must be both abusive or insulting and give rise to a certain disorder, while the characteristics of parliamentary language are good temper and moderation.
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Holding
"The term 'McCarthyism,' while opprobrious, is considered part of the political vocabulary and is not inherently unparliamentary unless its use leads to disorder."
AI Summary
The Speaker ruled that the term 'McCarthyism' is not inherently unparliamentary as it has become part of the political vocabulary and does not automatically create disorder.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Denied
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Not specified
- Significance
Low
High