Lay on the Table

Also “to table”; a term of parliamentary law and procedure which refers to a motion in regards to another motion being actively debated, but intended to defer a final disposition of the pending motion.

The reason for such a motion is to suspend a debate although the motion is not dependent on any reason or rationale. It is simply put to a vote.

The effect of this motion is to adjourn another pending motion and with no set time limit. It must carry with a majority vote and the result of such a vote, it to effectively shelf a pending motion.

In this way, a voting on a motion can be deferred indefinitely.

Because this motion is generally not debatable, it is often used as a delay or “dilatory” tactic for a variety of reasons. For example, good political reasons may emerge from the debate to suggest that either the organization is not yet in a position – or ought not in any event - to issue a resolution on the sensitive motion being so tabled. The group may wish to await the attendance of a knowledgeable member, or assess the motion in light of a forthcoming event or simply prefer a “wait and see” policy.

REFERENCES AND FURTHER RESEARCH OR READING:

• Kerr, K. and King, H., Procedures for Meetings and Organizations (Toronto: Carswell, 1996), page 193
• Robert, H., Robert’s Rules of Order, 10th Edition (Cambridge, Mass.: Perseus Publishing, 2000), §17.
• Taggart, W. J., Horsley’s Meetings – Procedure, Law and Practice, 2nd Edition (Sydney: Butterworth, 1983), ¶915.