Ruling
July 16, 1981
Right to speak when process of putting motion to a vote has begun
Hon. Jeanne Sauvé
Speaker of the House
Ruling Text
According to one authority, there are three essential and clearly defined stages in obtaining a decision of the House: first, the moving of a motion; then, the proposing of a question by the Chair; and finally, the putting of the question and the counting of votes. The practice has been that the Chair recognizes a Member who rises to ask a question or to make a point of order, even if the process has been started but not yet completed. The right of Members to express themselves is the most sacred right the Speaker must protect.
Edit Metadata
Holding
"The Chair will recognize a Member who rises on a point of order or to ask a question even after the process of putting a motion to a vote has begun."
AI Summary
This ruling affirms the practice of allowing a Member to interrupt the voting process on a motion to raise a point of order or ask a question, protecting their right to speak.
AI Analysis
- Outcome
- Other
- Tone
- Educational
- Procedural Stage
- Debate and Voting
- Significance
Low
High