The point of privilege

An essential tool in the parliamentary kit is the device “to raise a question of privilege” (RONR, 10^th, Section 19, P.216). Flag it and mark it up in your copy of Robert’s Rules. Questions of privilege cover the full range of concerns from the most mundane (“Could the air conditioning be made cooler?”) to the ultimate—a statement of withdrawal from the assembly.

A “question of privilege” refers to the privileges of membership and participation in a deliberative body. Such questions can be raised on behalf of the whole membership (the air conditioning example) or for yourself as an individual member.

It is a high ranking move, taking precedence over all main motions and subsidiary motions (see the precedence chart in RONR, 10^th, p. 4 of the gray-shaded section). It is in order when someone else has the floor, when a motion has been made and seconded, and even when someone is speaking (if warranted; RONR, 10^th, P.218, L.22-31).

I once interrupted a speaker in a diocese convention when they began to verbally abuse a conservative congregation. The Chair sustained my “question of privilege” and directed the speaker to refrain from personal attacks. I could have used “point of order” just as well, but the question here was the privilege of members of the assembly to be treated with respect.

A motion to “go into executive session” is a “question of privilege effecting the assembly” (RONR, 10^th, P.219, L.32,33). If a member had the floor and made accusations against the President of the body, a member could rise without being recognized on a “question of privilege” and ask that the assembly go into executive session.

A “question of privilege” is the method a member would use to indicate that her place in the assembly had become questionable in her own mind. See the post “Motion to table as cheap trick” (point 3 under tactics) for intermediate and ultimate uses of this method. Clearly, before taking such a step, a member should have come to a careful, deliberate conclusion that her participation in the assembly or her membership in the body had become untenable.

The seriousness of this in church can’t be overstated. Breaking fellowship is a final witness; it is the individual’s version of excommunication toward a congregation or denomination.

METHOD:

When no one is speaking or even if a member is speaking (in rare situations as described above), but not when voting is taking place or being verified, rise, and without waiting to be recognized say: “Mr. President, a point of personal privilege” or “…a point of privilege affecting the assembly” (shortened form approved at RONR, 10^th, P.221, L.11 for smaller meetings, but commonly allowed in larger assemblies).

The Chair asks what your “question of privilege” is, and after hearing your statement, rules whether it is valid. If the Chair does not accept your point, and if the matter merits it, you may appeal the Chair’s ruling to the assembly. Say, “I respectfully appeal your ruling.”

If permitted, you may make a motion to achieve your aim.

Be clear about the use of “a question of privilege;” it is about your privileges as a member of a deliberative assembly. Practice it on something mundane (the air conditioning) to be ready to use it on something crucial. Don’t become a nuisance, but know your rights and stand up for them.