John Bel Edwards: “While there is no scheduled business on the floor of this House today, I can think of fewer issues more important to…”

“While there is no scheduled business on the floor of this House today, I can think of fewer issues more important to discuss here than freedom of speech. I believe debate on this floor should be conducted with respect and dignity. Yet if this House were to impose a gag rule on free and open debate, it would be a genuine tragedy for our democracy. Mr. Speaker, this is the people's House and the people have the right to have their voice heard through their elected Representatives. If Members of this House were to fear that honest expressions of fact and philosophy might be denied on this floor, then we will have done our democracy and the freedom of speech so deeply embedded in our Constitution a great disservice.”