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Ch14 Control and conduct of debate / MANNER AND RIGHT OF SPEECH / Manner of speech / Language of debate



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House of Representatives                                Ch 14                                                 p 490

 

Control and conduct of debate / MANNER AND RIGHT OF SPEECH / Manner of speech

 

Language of debate

Although there is no specific rule set down by standing order, the House follows the practice of requiring Members’ speeches to be in English. Other Members and those listening to proceedings are entitled to be able to follow the course of a debate, and it is unlikely that the Chair would know whether a speech is in order unless it is delivered in English. It is in order, however, for a Member to use or quote phrases or words in another language during the course of a speech.

In 2003 a meeting of the two Houses in the House of Representatives Chamber was addressed by the President of China in Chinese. Members and Senators used headphones to hear the simultaneous translation into English. 1



H.R. Deb. (24.10.2003)  21697-701.