We recognize that one of the out growths of democracy and one of its most notable characteristics is the practice of parliamentary law. We use it as the framework for group discussion because its basic principles guarantee equal opportunity to all members and full and free discussion to every proposition presented to the group.
Just as every member of an organization has the right to vote, so also he has the right to be heard without interruption or interference so long as he observes the rules of decorum. Thus anything that proposes to limit this right is contrary to the underlying principles of democracy.
But a practice appears to have taken hold in many of our denominational business meetings that is altogether contrary to legitimate parliamentary procedure. During the course of a debate or discussion some member, without so much as rising and addressing the chair, will merely call out the word, "Question!" There upon the chairman will announce that "question has been called" and immediately call for the vote.
Various theories have been advanced for the origin of this most undemocratic method of halting debate, but the most reasonable is the motion formerly known as the "Previous Question." It was originally intended as a motion to suppress motions of a delicate nature. Latterly, however, its form has been changed and its scope enlarged, so that today a member wishing to stop discussion and prevent the addition of subsidiary motions to the main motion may move that "we vote immediately" upon the motion under discussion.
However, such a motion, being the most dramatic of all that seeks to control debate, is rarely used; and since its intent is contrary to the basic principles of "full and free discussion," it obviously needs more than a lone voice to accomplish its purpose. Since even the least significant motion requires a second, it is un thinkable that an individual may, by uttering a single word, call an abrupt halt to a discussion that is the property of the whole assembly. Any measure aimed at restricting or curtailing discussion in an assembly must have a two-thirds vote of the assembly, and no single voice—not even that of the chairman—has a right to do it.
Thus it is altogether out of order for any member to call question. If he does it, it is the right and duty of the chairman to ignore him. If, however, a member feels bound to have discussion cease, he may use the drastic measure of arising (when no one else has the floor), addressing the chair, and, after recognition, stating his motion as follows: "I move that we vote immediately upon the motion to——." If his motion is seconded, the chairman must then call for a vote upon the motion to cease debate. If it is passed by a two-thirds vote, a vote is then taken immediately upon the main motion that is before the assembly.
That is the democratic—though harsh—way of halting discussion. Calling question is illogical, unreasonable, and contrary to accepted practice.
