John Bel Edwards said "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." @ PoliticalQuotes.com

On the recordJanuary 18, 1995

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.

Said by

John Bel Edwards

Democratic · Louisiana

Source

govinfo.gov

Editor's note · Context

Addressing the importance of freedom of speech during a session of the House.

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