What Are ‘Unparliamentary Words’?

“Unparliamentary words” refer to language or expressions that are considered inappropriate or offensive in a parliamentary setting. These words or expressions are considered to be in breach of the rules and conventions of parliamentary procedure, and are generally frowned upon and discouraged. In many parliamentary systems, there are strict rules about the language that can be used in debates and other proceedings, and any member who violates these rules may be called to order by the chair or other presiding officer.

The exact nature of unparliamentary words can vary depending on the parliamentary system in question, but they typically include offensive language, insults, and personal attacks, among other things.

Examples of unparliamentary words in the British Parliament include:

1. Personal insults or attacks, such as calling someone a liar or a coward.
2. Profanity or vulgar language.
3. Racial or sexist slurs.
4. Words or expressions that are considered disrespectful to the House or its members, such as calling the House a “bear pit”.
5. Words or expressions that suggest dishonesty or impropriety, such as accusing someone of corruption or bribery.

In general, the use of unparliamentary language is discouraged in parliamentary proceedings because it is seen as detracting from the decorum and seriousness of the proceedings, and as a breach of the rules of the House. Members who use unparliamentary language may be called to order by the chair, or may even face disciplinary action, depending on the severity of their breach of parliamentary etiquette.

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Examples of unparliamentary words in the Indian Parliament include:

Here are some examples of unparliamentary words in the Indian Parliament:

1. Personal insults or attacks, such as calling someone names or making baseless accusations.
2. Profanity or vulgar language.
3. Racial or sexist slurs.
4. Words or expressions that are considered disrespectful to the House or its members, such as calling the House a “joke”.
5. Words or expressions that suggest dishonesty or impropriety, such as accusing someone of corruption or bribery.
6. Language that incites violence or hatred.
7. Language that is discriminatory or inflammatory.

As in other parliamentary systems, the use of unparliamentary language in the Indian Parliament is discouraged because it is seen as detracting from the decorum and seriousness of the proceedings and as a breach of parliamentary etiquette. Members who use unparliamentary language may be called to order by the Speaker or other presiding officer, or may face disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the breach.

Personal insults or attacks, such as calling someone names or making baseless accusations.

Personal insults or attacks directed at other members are considered unparliamentary in most parliamentary systems, as they are seen as detracting from the seriousness and decorum of the proceedings. Instead, members are expected to engage in respectful and substantive debates, even when they disagree with each other. The use of personal insults or baseless accusations is not only considered unparliamentary, but it can also be counterproductive, as it may cause tempers to flare and make it more difficult for members to have a productive and constructive discussion.

Profanity or vulgar language

The use of profanity or vulgar language is generally considered unparliamentary in most parliamentary systems, as it is seen as disrespectful and offensive. Members are expected to maintain a high level of decorum and professionalism in parliamentary proceedings, and the use of vulgar language is seen as a breach of that standard. It can also cause offense to other members and members of the public, and can detract from the seriousness of the proceedings. Members who use vulgar language in parliamentary proceedings may be called to order by the presiding officer, and may face disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the breach.

Racial or sexist slurs

The use of racial or sexist slurs is considered unparliamentary in most parliamentary systems, as it is seen as offensive and discriminatory. Members are expected to maintain a high level of respect for all members of the House, regardless of their race, gender, or other characteristics, and the use of such slurs is seen as a breach of that standard. The use of racial or sexist slurs can also cause offense to other members and members of the public, and can detract from the seriousness of the proceedings. Members who use racial or sexist slurs in parliamentary proceedings may be called to order by the presiding officer, and may face disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the breach.

Words or expressions that are considered disrespectful to the House or its members, such as calling the House a “joke”.

Words or expressions that are considered disrespectful to the House or its members are generally considered unparliamentary in most parliamentary systems. The House is considered to be a solemn and dignified institution, and members are expected to maintain a high level of respect for it and for each other. The use of language that is disrespectful to the House or its members is seen as a breach of that standard, and can detract from the seriousness and decorum of the proceedings. Members who use such language may be called to order by the presiding officer, and may face disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the breach.

Words or expressions that suggest dishonesty or impropriety, such as accusing someone of corruption or bribery.

Words or expressions that suggest dishonesty or impropriety, such as accusing someone of corruption or bribery, are considered unparliamentary in most parliamentary systems. Members are expected to engage in respectful and substantive debates, even when they disagree with each other, and the use of such language is seen as a breach of that standard. Accusations of corruption or bribery are particularly serious, as they suggest that a member has engaged in illegal or unethical behavior. The use of such language can also cause harm to the reputation of the member being accused, and can detract from the seriousness and decorum of the proceedings. Members who use language that suggests dishonesty or impropriety may be called to order by the presiding officer, and may face disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the breach.

Language that incites violence or hatred

Language that incites violence or hatred is considered unparliamentary in most parliamentary systems. Members are expected to maintain a high level of respect for each other and for the public, and the use of language that incites violence or hatred is seen as a breach of that standard. The use of such language can also put others in danger and create a hostile environment, and can detract from the seriousness and decorum of the proceedings. Members who use language that incites violence or hatred may be called to order by the presiding officer, and may face disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the breach. In some cases, the use of such language may also be illegal under criminal or hate speech laws.

Language that is discriminatory or inflammatory

Language that is discriminatory or inflammatory is considered unparliamentary in most parliamentary systems. Members are expected to maintain a high level of respect for each other and for the public, and the use of language that is discriminatory or inflammatory is seen as a breach of that standard. The use of such language can also cause offense to others and create a hostile environment, and can detract from the seriousness and decorum of the proceedings. Members who use discriminatory or inflammatory language may be called to order by the presiding officer, and may face disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the breach. In some cases, the use of such language may also be illegal under anti-discrimination or hate speech laws.

‘Unparliamentary Words’ Apply

In a parliamentary system, the rules regarding the use of unparliamentary language apply to all members of the House, regardless of their political affiliation or status. Members are expected to maintain a high level of respect and decorum in parliamentary proceedings, and the use of unparliamentary language is seen as a breach of that standard. Whether a member is a government member, opposition member, or independent member, they are subject to the same rules and procedures regarding the use of unparliamentary language, and may face disciplinary action if they use such language.

In some cases, members who use unparliamentary language may be called to order by the presiding officer, and may be asked to retract their statement or apologize. In more severe cases, members may face disciplinary action, such as being suspended from the House for a specified period of time. The specific consequences of using unparliamentary language can vary depending on the parliamentary system and the severity of the breach, but all members are expected to maintain a high level of respect and decorum in parliamentary proceedings.