MPs to be schooled on “respectful tone”

MPs and party leaders will be given instructions on how to maintain a respectful tone in Parliament.

So says Jógvan á Lakjuni, Speaker of Parliament, after reviewing a complaint filed last week by two female MPs about inappropriate sexist remarks expressed by male MPs.

“MPs and party leaders will be called in for talks about how communication should be conducted. We want to lay down some clear guidelines to establish a respectful tone in Parliament.”

 >> SEE ALSO Poll: 41% of women have experienced sexism

The speaker says he is not aware of any staff policy beyond the Parliament’s general order of business in the assembly hall. He does, however, want to ensure that the general rules of etiquette should extend to e.g. the cafeteria, where the tone tends to be more casual.

Hervør Pálsdóttir, one of the two MPs who filed the complaint, says she is happy with how the presidency of Parliament has dealt with the issue.

“It’s good to see that our concerns have been taken seriously and that some guidelines on proper conduct in our workplace are being drawn up.”

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

Translated by prosa.fo.

More Faroese News in English.