A house RESOLUTION

 

TO FORMALLY CENSURE REPRESENTATIVE John Richard C. King FOR STATEMENTS MADE IN VIOLATION OF RULE 3.6, RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REGARDING DECORUM AND under THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION 12, ARTICLE III OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895.

 

Whereas, Representative John Richard C. King, made public statements inciting violence against his fellow House members including statements that extend well beyond expressing mere disagreement. The statements were so egregious that they are considered personal attacks upon members of the House of Representatives which are prohibited under Rule 3.6, Rules of the House of Representatives, which regulates decorum in the body and prohibits disrespect to the House and all personalities; and

 

Whereas, Section 12, Article III of the South Carolina Constitution provides, among other things, that each house shall punish its members for disorderly behavior; and

 

Whereas, in this case, Representative King's statements are likely to incite violence against elected officials and in the public itself and are uncalled for at all times but especially in today's political violent climate; and

 

Whereas, Representative King's statements amount to conduct unbecoming a member of the House of Representatives and, as a result, has brought dishonor to himself, the State of South Carolina, and to its citizens and it is therefore appropriate that he be censured by the body.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, hereby censures John Richard C. King for statements made in violation of Rule 3.6, Rules of the House of Representatives, regarding decorum and under the authority of Section 12, Article III of the Constitution of the State of South Carolina, 1895.

----XX----