Can debate on Postpone Definitely go into the merits of the Main Motion?

Can debate on Postpone Definitely go into the merits of the Main Motion?

• A. Yes
• B. Only at the chair's discretion
• C. Only if seconded
• D. No

Answer: (D)

When you move to Postpone Definitely, the debate is limited to whether delaying consideration of the main motion is advisable. The purpose of this subsidiary motion is to set aside the main issue for a definite time, not to decide the main issue itself. Therefore, discussing the merits of the main motion during the postponement debate would sidetrack the discussion from the act of postponing and could prejudice the outcome by preempting the main issue later. You can argue that postponing will give time to gather more information, prevent a rushed decision, or fit the schedule better, but you should not argue for or against the main motion’s substance at this stage. If the postponement is approved, the main motion will be reconsidered at the chosen time; if not, it returns to immediate consideration and can be debated on its merits then.

When you move to Postpone Definitely, the debate is limited to whether delaying consideration of the main motion is advisable. The purpose of this subsidiary motion is to set aside the main issue for a definite time, not to decide the main issue itself. Therefore, discussing the merits of the main motion during the postponement debate would sidetrack the discussion from the act of postponing and could prejudice the outcome by preempting the main issue later.

You can argue that postponing will give time to gather more information, prevent a rushed decision, or fit the schedule better, but you should not argue for or against the main motion’s substance at this stage. If the postponement is approved, the main motion will be reconsidered at the chosen time; if not, it returns to immediate consideration and can be debated on its merits then.