Debate dragging on

[Guest Jon]

If debate is dragging on, and there is not a 2/3 majority to end it, is it permitted for the Chair to say something precatory to encourage debate to wind up, such as, "In light of our time constraints and the number of items remaining on our agenda, I hope debate on this item can conclude soon"?   If this would be contrary to something specific in RONR, can someone please provide a page reference?  Thanks.

[Josh Martin]

8 minutes ago, Guest Jon said:

If debate is dragging on, and there is not a 2/3 majority to end it, is it permitted for the Chair to say something precatory to encourage debate to wind up, such as, "In light of our time constraints and the number of items remaining on our agenda, I hope debate on this item can conclude soon"?

No. The chair has a responsibility to maintain the appearance of impartiality, including on matters such as when debate will end. Making the statement in question would undermine the chair's appearance of impartiality with respect to motions made to limit or end debate or motions to dispose of the pending question.

In a committee or small board, however, it would be appropriate for the chair to make a remark of this nature.

8 minutes ago, Guest Jon said:

If this would be contrary to something specific in RONR, can someone please provide a page reference?

"If the presiding officer is a member of the society, he has—as an individual—the same rights in debate as any other member; but the impartiality required of the chair in an assembly precludes his exercising these rights while he is presiding. Normally, especially in a large body, he should have nothing to say on the merits of pending questions." RONR (12th ed.) 43:29

Edited February 23, 2021 at 04:51 PM by Josh Martin

[Guest Puzzling]

54 minutes ago, Guest Jon said:

If debate is dragging on, and there is not a 2/3 majority to end it, is it permitted for the Chair to say something precatory to encourage debate to wind up, such as, "In light of our time constraints and the number of items remaining on our agenda, I hope debate on this item can conclude soon"?   If this would be contrary to something specific in RONR, can someone please provide a page reference?  Thanks.

There is a limit of 2x 10 minutes per member, 

You could make a motion to refer (and put all who want to discuss it further in the committee) 

Maybe after some time there will be a 2/3 supermajority to end debate. 

Also the question seems to be on many members minds, would you rather have they be quiet about it?

[Josh Martin]

50 minutes ago, Guest Puzzling said:

You could make a motion to refer (and put all who want to discuss it further in the committee) 

I think this is a good suggestion. Just to be clear, however, the motion to Refer is itself debatable (although the debate is limited to the merits and details of the motion to refer).