Poker doesn't define rules for deciding when to play hearts. This referendum may have been 'illegal' according to the rules of one game, but that's the point -

Poker doesn't define rules for deciding when to play hearts. This referendum may have been 'illegal' according to the rules of one game, but that's the point - some folks want to play another. (Not taking a side on the matter; not my country, I'm woefully under-informed.)