Objection to the consideration of a question
Encyclopedia
Objection to the consideration of a question is a method in parliamentary procedure
of preventing a motion from coming before the assembly. It is often used to prevent an embarrassing question from being introduced and debated in the assembly.
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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.
and is criticized for being confusing. The Standard Code offers alternative motions for accomplishing the same purpose. Some organizations have bylaw provisions specifying that an objection to the consideration of a question is not in order at any time.
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."
In the United States
, particularly in the United States Senate
, a motion to table is more common because it only requires a simple majority.
Parliamentary procedure
Parliamentary procedure is the body of rules, ethics, and customs governing meetings and other operations of clubs, organizations, legislative bodies, and other deliberative assemblies...
of preventing a motion from coming before the assembly. It is often used to prevent an embarrassing question from being introduced and debated in the assembly.
Explanation and Use
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 motionIncidental motion
An incidental motion, in parliamentary procedure, is one of a category of motions that relate in varying ways to the main motion and other parliamentary motions.-Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised :...
.
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.
The Standard Code (TSC)
This motion is not recognized in The Standard Code of Parliamentary ProcedureThe Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure
The Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure is a book of rules of order. It is the second most popular parliamentary authority in the United States after Robert's Rules of Order. It was first published in 1950...
and is criticized for being confusing. The Standard Code offers alternative motions for accomplishing the same purpose. Some organizations have bylaw provisions specifying that an objection to the consideration of a question is not in order at any time.
Legislative Use
Mason's Manual of Legislative ProcedureMason's Manual of Legislative Procedure
Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure, commonly referred to as Mason's Manual. This 700+ page book serves as the official parliamentary manual of most state legislative bodies in the United States. "Adopted as the authority on questions of parliamentary law and procedure in California, it is to...
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."
In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, particularly in the United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
, a motion to table is more common because it only requires a simple majority.