Plenary Meetings of the General Assembly

Sometimes members of a committee whose position on an issue does not prevail in committee will wish to submit a minority report to the assembly. A minority report must set aside the recommendation approved by the committee – in parliamentary terms, it is a substitute motion– and the proposal must have been presented during the deliberations of the committee. [E.7.h, F.3] 

Here’s the process used to consider a minority report: 

• The committee leader moves the recommendation of the committee.
  
• A signer of the minority report moves its report as a substitute motion.
  
• Perfection of the committee report (the main motion) – any amendments are made until the motion is in final form.
  
• Perfection of the minority report (the substitute motion).
  
• "Shall the substitute become the main motion?” 
  
• Debate on the merits of both motions, with no further amendments in order.
  
• Vote on the question “Shall the substitute become the main motion?” Those in favor of the main motion vote no.
  
• If the motion prevails, the substitute becomes the main motion, and the original main motion disappears. 
  

Once it is decided whether the substitute becomes the main motion, another vote is taken to approve or disapprove the motion that remains.