gag rule

American  

noun

1. any rule restricting open discussion or debate concerning a given issue, especially in a deliberative body.

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gag rule British  

noun

1. any closure regulation adopted by a deliberative body

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Etymology

Origin of gag rule

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

In 1836, near the end of Jackson’s second term, Congress adopted a gag rule that banned any discussion of petitions or legislation related to slavery.

From Literature

The judge has imposed a gag rule while he decides the issue.

From Seattle Times

“It’s a private system with a gag rule, in effect,” Mr. Carlson said.

From New York Times

The state law provides oversight of pharmacy benefit managers, including barring gag rules that limit what pharmacists can discuss with their patients such as telling them of cheaper drug alternatives.

From Seattle Times

Southerners destroyed anti-slavery tracts, imposed a “gag rule” in Congress that silenced the voices of anti-slavery petitioners, engaged in widespread mob attacks on reformers and adopted draconian laws that criminalized anti-slavery expression.

From Washington Post