Privileges and immunities of Parliament

148 Privileges and immunities of Parliament (1) The President of the Senate, the Speaker and Members of Parliament have freedom of speech in Parliament and in all parliamentary committees and, while they must obey the rules and orders of the House concerned, they are not liable to civil or criminal proceedings, arrest or imprisonment or damages for anything said in, produced before or submitted to Parliament or any of its committees. (2) An Act of Parliament may — (a) provide for other privileges, immunities and powers of Parliament and its Members and officers; (b) define conduct which constitutes contempt of Parliament. whether committed by Members of Parliament or other people; and (c) provide for a right of reply, through the Speaker or the President of the Senate, as the case may be, for persons who are unjustly injured by what is said about them in Parliament; but no such Act may permit Parliament or its Members or officers to impose any punishment in the nature of a criminal penalty, other than a fine, for breach of privilege or contempt of Parliament.