Conservative MP told to remove 'Oil and Gas' button from House of Commons

Conservative MP Martin Shields was told to remove a "I [LOVE] CANADIAN OIL AND GAS" button from his lapel, or risk expulsion from Commons.

Shields' button caused some outrage in the House, with several MPs voicing their displeasure, reports Blacklock's Reporter.

"He is either going to have to adhere by the rules that are set in this House and being enforced right now, or he is going to have to leave the chamber," said Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen.

"He is wearing a button with a slogan," said New Democrat MP Alexandre Boulerice. Have the rules of the House of Commons changed? I too have a few buttons I could wear on occasion."

"That is against the protocols of the House," voiced Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes. Hughes said that the button "sends a very clear message not everyone is supportive of."

According to the Commons' website, "Speakers have consistently ruled out of order displays or demonstrations of any kind used by Members to illustrate their remarks or emphasize their positions. Similarly, props of any kind, used as a way of making a silent comment on issues, have always been found unacceptable in the Chamber."

It continues: "Small Canadian flags and desk flags have been disallowed when they have been used to cause disorder in the House for the purpose of interrupting a Member' speech. [128]  While political buttons and lapel pins have not been considered exhibits as long as they do not cause disorder, [129]  the Speaker has interrupted a division to request that certain Members remove 'props' from their lapels."

Masks with political slogans have also been banned.