Objection to the consideration of a question

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Objection to the consideration of a question is a method in parliamentary procedure of preventing a motion from coming before the assembly.^[1] It is often used to prevent an embarrasing question from being introduced and debated in the assembly.

[edit] Explanation and Use

Objection to the consideration of a question (RONR)

Class	Incidental motion
In order when another has the floor	When another has been assigned the floor, until debate has begun or a subsidiary motion has been stated by the chair
Second	No
Debatable	No
Amendable	No
Vote Required	Two-thirds against consideration sustains objection
Reconsider	Negative vote (sustaining objection) only

[edit] Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR)

It requires a two-thirds vote to be sustained and is not debatable. It is classed as an incidental motion. This objection may be applied only to an original main motion, that is, a main motion that brings a new substantive issue before the assembly, as opposed to an incidental main motion. The objection may be raised only before debate has begun on the motion, as the purpose is to completely suppress debate on the motion.

[edit] The Standard Code (TSC)

This motion is not recognized in The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure and is criticized for being confusing. The Standard Code offers alternative motions for accomplishing the same purpose.^[2] Some organizations have bylaw provisions specifying that an objection to the consideration of a question is not in order at any time.

[edit] Legislative Use

Mason's Legislative Manual states that the purpose of the objection to consideration is to bar from discussion or consideration "any matter that is considered irrelevant, contentious or unprofitable, or that, for any reason, is thought not advisable to discuss."^[3]

[edit] References

v • d • e Parliamentary Procedure Major concepts Deliberative assembly · Motions · Main motion · Quorum · Session Subsidiary motions Postpone indefinitely · Amend · Commit · Postpone to a certain time · Limit or extend limits of debate · Previous question · Lay on the table Privileged motions Call for the orders of the day · Raise a question of privilege · Recess · Adjourn · Fix the time to which to adjourn Incidental motions Point of order · Appeal · Suspend the rules · Objection to the consideration of a question · Division of a question · Consideration by paragraph or seriatim · Division of the assembly · Motions relating to methods of voting and the polls · Motions relating to nominations Incidental motions (Requests and inquiries) Parliamentary inquiry · Point of information · Request for permission to withdraw or modify a motion · Request to read papers · Request to be excused from a duty · Request for any other privilege Motions that bring a question again before the assembly Take from the table · Rescind, repeal, annul or amend something previously adopted · Discharge a committee · Reconsider Legislative procedure Call of the house · Hoist · Pass on Disciplinary procedures Censure · Declare the chair vacant · Impeach Parliamentary authorities Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) · The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure (TSC) · Demeter's Manual · Riddick's Rules of Procedure · Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure Other concepts Committee · Committee of the whole · Dilatory motions and tactics · Minutes · Second · History of parliamentary procedure · Principles of parliamentary procedure