Parliamentary Basics: Discussion and Debate
Discussion, or debate in parliamentary terms, is how an assembly decides whether a proposed course of action should be followed. Disagreement is healthy, and helps the organization make the best decision if discussion is approached fairly and consistently:

  • Before speaking in debate, members obtain the floor as described in Parliamentary Basics - Presiding.
  • The person who makes a motion may speak on it first, if he expresses the desire to do so.
  • All remarks are addressed to the chair, not to other members.
  • Debate is confined to the merits of the motion currently under consideration.
  • Debate can only be closed by order of the assembly (2/3 vote), or by the chair if no one seeks the floor for further debate.