The Telegraph: Masonry remains monosexual

Steve Bird, The Telegraph, June 15, 2024

Masonry will stay a monogender organization, declared its leaders against claims that the fraternity is misogynistic.
The United large Lodge of England (UGLE) and its female counterpart, the Order of Women Freelour (OVVF), issued a joint message stating that no of these organizations would accept the other sex.
This message came after Garrick Club in London voted in favour of women after his erstwhile male-only policy was embroiled in claiming that the organization was sexist.
Numerous another institutions, including golf clubs, have besides been persuaded in fresh years to open membership to women.
The 2 women's large Masonic Lodges were created in the early 20th century and follow the same rituals, principles and regulations as the lodges intended exclusively for men – and their members even addressing each another "brother".
A public statement, published last week, was issued to counter “repeated themes” critics who claimed that the Masons were “non-integrate, misogynistic” and lacking transparency. The statement, published on the large Lodge website, says that women's lodges do not have “a desire or intention to change their only female membership, and their members value the practice of masonry in a safe and single-sex environment”.
This position is supported by the United large Lodge of England, and the message adds that “both women's orders full support UGLE remaining exclusively a male organization”.
They besides claim that single-sex organisations “are not uncommon in another aspects of life, for example in sports teams”, and so are “fully in line with the principles of freedom of association, so fundamental to the way of life in this country”.
Six years ago, the erstwhile CEO of UGLE contacted the Committee on Equality and Human Rights on a series of press reports in which he felt unfair discrimination and stigmatisation of his group.
UGLE posted full-page ads in The regular Telegraph and The Times, criticizing any media activities for “false depiction” of masons,
This last joint message was inspired by a speech by the large Venerable Brother Jonathan Spence, Pro large Master of UGLE, at Quarterly Communication Meetings, which are held to discuss the activities of masonry.
Speaking on Thursday at the large Temple in Freemasons Hall, London, Spence said: “Two recurring topics have late appeared from various journalists.
“The first of these is the claim that masonry in this country is purely male, and so inherently evil, non-integratory, and misogynistic...

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