Unparliamentary behaviour

Abusive or insulting language is frequently used in parliamentary assemblies as an extension of parliamentary rhetoric. This is more or less constrained, depending on practice tolerated in particular countries. Occasionally the tensions of debate, and the issues under discussion, lead to exchanges of blows between parliamentarians. Women parliamentarians tend to be exposed to insulting, sexist language and insinuations, especially since parliaments have been a male domain and many practices continue to reinforce male domination. In 1994 the secretariat of the Indian lower Chamber, the Lok Sabha, compiled 218 pages of comments and expressions deemed unparliamentary. The material was collected from the records of debates in many English speaking parliaments around the world.

1. The net result of such conduct is the debasement of debate into a desperate attempt to score points and deliver one-liners which are more appropriate to old time music hall.

1. Misconduct in elected public office
2. Disruptive behaviour in institutions
3. Anti-social behaviour

1. Verbal abuse
2. Profanity
3. Politicization of language

1. Ignorance of protocol
2. Discriminatory unwritten codes of behaviour
3. Contempt for democratic processes

1. Interpersonal violence
2. Affectation
3. Abuse of parliamentary immunity

1. Setting standards for conduct in parliament
2. Reducing violence in parliamentary assemblies
3. Providing parliamentary aid to new and developing nations
4. Fighting indecency
5. Abusing politicians

1. Violence
2. Nonviolence
3. Misconduct
4. Misbehaviour
5. Indecency
6. Conduct
7. Behaviour
8. Abuse