Noun
a rule for limiting or ending debate in a deliberative body
Source: WordNetA gag rule is a rule that limits or forbids the raising, consideration, or discussion of a particular topic by members of a legislative or decision-making body. Source: Internet
After this debate, the gag rule was ultimately retained. citation The discussion ignited by his actions and the attempts of others to quiet him raised questions of the right to petition, the right to legislative debate, and the morality of slavery. Source: Internet
England A gag rule may be formally neutral, that is, forbidding discussions or arguments either for or against a particular policy. Source: Internet
Freehling, 1991, p. 426: "Southern Democrats had long since discovered, particularly in gag rule politics, that enough Northern Democrats would probably cave in, however begrudgingly and resentfully, to southern demands." Source: Internet
In 1836, Southern Representatives voted in a " gag rule " that immediately tabled any petitions about slavery, thus preventing any discussion or debate of the slavery issue. Source: Internet
In 1844, he chaired a committee for reform of the rules of Congress, and he used this opportunity to try once again to repeal the gag rule. Source: Internet