According to the Parliamentary Communications Department, the request was submitted with the signatures of caucus members, including Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj.
The caucus noted that there has been a recent increase in incidents of verbal abuse targeting women MPs, emphasizing that such conduct goes beyond personal attacks and poses a broader challenge to democratic values. The statement stressed that these actions undermine public sovereignty as well as women’s rights to freely express their views and actively participate in politics.
The caucus further highlighted that such behavior sets a negative precedent for women’s political participation across society, discouraging meaningful engagement in the political process.
As a solution, the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus proposed that both male and female MPs refrain from conduct or statements that amount to verbal harassment or insult against women parliamentarians. The proposal suggests that these measures can be implemented through amendments to the section on “Parliamentary Discipline” under the Standing Orders.
The Parliamentary Communications Department confirmed that the proposal aims to promote dignity, respect, and equality within Parliament.
