The Official Opposition is calling on the Conservative Member for Lake Melville, Keith Russell, to apologize after admitting in the House of Assembly that he shared a social media post stating that Liberal MHAs “deserve a good shit knocking” for considering signing the Churchill Falls MOU.
During a point of privilege raised in the House yesterday, Liberal Mount Scio MHA Sarah Stoodley argued that sharing language advocating violence against elected officials represents a serious breach of the standards expected of parliamentarians and risks intimidating MHAs in the performance of their duties.
“Members of the House of Assembly must be free to debate, vote, and represent their constituents without threats, intimidation, or calls for violence,” said MHA Stoodley. “Sharing a post suggesting MHAs deserve to be physically assaulted because of a political position crosses a clear line.”
The Opposition noted that while MHA Russell acknowledged sharing the post, he failed to apologize to members of the House. Instead, he attempted to frame criticism of his actions as an attack on his sense of humour and linked it to freedom of religion.
MHA Russell admitted he posted it inappropriately, but defended his actions, saying: “Not a couple of minutes went by when I realized that’s not appropriate for me to be sharing. I took that down. But what’s on trial here? My sense of humor? What’s next? Religion? No freedom of speech? My sense of humor cannot be judged. It is mine and it’s rightfully mine,”
The point of privilege argued that the conduct constitutes an attempt to intimidate members in carrying out their parliamentary responsibilities and undermines the dignity and decorum of the legislature. This matter will also be referred to the Commissioner of Legislative Standards for her review.
The Opposition is calling on Keith Russell to apologize unreservedly to all members of the House of Assembly.
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