PA DeMolay Resources -Parliamentary Procedure

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Point of Personal Privilege

This motion usually has little or nothing to do with the business at hand, but is necessary for the larger good of the body. It may be used to complain that the temperature in the room is too hot, that the microphone isn't working and the speaker can't be heard, that other noise is preventing members from concentrating on the business at hand, or similar causes. It is not just a "gripe," but a request that a situation be corrected in order to allow business to proceed.

Here's how it works:

What to say:	"Point of personal privilege." or "I rise to a question of privilege."
May you interrupt the speaker?	No, you must wait to be recognized.
Do you need a second?	No.
Can the motion be debated?	No.
Can the motion be amended?	No.
What vote is needed to pass?	This is not brought to a vote ... the chairman simply gives direction as to how the matter is to be addressed.
Can it be reconsidered?	No.
How about an example?	MEM1: "Mr. Chairman, I rise to a point of personal priviledge." PRES: "Yes?" MEM1: "The heat is making it awfully tough to concentrate. Can we turn the air conditioning down?" PRES: "Brother Smith, can you take care of that?" SMITH: "I think the air conditioning is broken." PRES: "I see. Members are free to remove their coats and loosen their ties to be a little more comfortable, and we'll take a break if we need to. " MEM1: "Thank you, Mr. Chairman."

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