3. On points debated in a meeting behind closed doors, decisions can also be taken behind closed doors.
Article 89
The Chairman and the members of the Senate cannot be prosecuted for anything they have said at a meeting or have submitted to the meeting in writing, unless they divulge anything said or submitted in writing under secrecy at a meeting behind closed doors.
Article 90
1. The members of the Senate vote as free men, in honour and conscience bound, without instructions from, or being bound to consultation with those who appointed them as members of the Senate.
2. They refrain from voting on matters which concern them personally.
Article 91
Membership of the Senate is incompatible with the membership in the House of Representatives, and also with holding the federal offices of President, Minister, Attorney-General; President, Vice-President, or Member of the Supreme Court; Chairman, Vice-Chairman, or Member of the Audit-Department; President of the Circulation Bank and with holding the offices of Head of State, Minister or Head of a department of the participant territories.
Article 92
The salary of the Chairman of the Senate, the allowances to be granted to the members and possibly to the Chairman of the Senate and also the travelling and hotel expenses due to them, are regulated by federal law.
Article 93
1. All those who have attended a meeting of the Senate behind closed doors are bound to secrecy unless this body decides otherwise or lifts the obligations of secrecy.
2. The same applies to members, Ministers and officials who have in any way cognizance of the matters discussed.
Article 94
1. The Senate can neither hold a debate nor take a decision unless more than half of the members are present.
2. Unless this Constitution provides otherwise, all decisions are taken by majority of the members voting.
3. In the event of the votes being equally divided, the proposal is considered to be rejected if the meeting is fully attended:
or otherwise taking a decision shall be postponed until a subsequent meeting.
If the votes are again equally divided, the proposal is considered to be rejected.
4. Voting on persons is secret and in writing. If the votes are equally divided the matter is decided by ballot.
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