Minority Opinion after Tabled Motion

[Guest Todd]

IF an item/discussion is called to be Laid on the table and a majority is in favor, does one still ask for the minority opinion on whether to table the item?

 

[Chris Harrison]

"The chair must always call for the negative vote, no matter how nearly unanimous the affirmative vote may appear, except that this rule is commonly relaxed in the case of noncontroversial motions of a complimentary or courtesy nature; but even in such a case, if any member objects, the chair must call for the negative vote." (RONR p. 45)

 

A motion to Lay On The Table is not such a motion.

[Josh Martin]

IF an item/discussion is called to be Laid on the table and a majority is in favor, does one still ask for the minority opinion on whether to table the item?

 

I concur with the previous response, and I'd also note that the motion to Lay on the Table is frequently abused, so it may be that another motion should be used instead, depending on the intent. See FAQ #12 and FAQ #13 for more information. (The negative vote would still be taken for the motions discussed in those FAQs.)