Most Masonic groups admit only men. Historically, this practice dates back to the Middle Ages, probably related to the traditional roles that men and women played in ecclesiastical vocations, professional guilds, and society as a whole.
Some present-day Masonic jurisdictions admit both men and women; and some admit only women. My own view is that such practices by private (i.e. not government-funded) social organizations are perfectly ethical. One benefit that members of fraternities and sororities derive from these societies is that they provide a unique forum for free interaction and association with brothers and/or sisters. Family members often attend Masonic social events many of which are public. As evidence of advancement toward some sort of mutual recognition, the following announcement in the Grand Lodge News of the United Grand Lodge of England that followed the March 10, 1999 Quarterly Communication of UGLE:
"There exist in England and Wales at least two Grand Lodges solely for women. Except that these bodies admit women, they are, so far as can be ascertained, otherwise regular in their practice [emphasis added]. There is also one which admits both men and women to membership. They are not recognized by this Grand Lodge and intervisitation may not take place. There are, however, informal discussions from time to time with the women's Grand Lodges on matters of mutual concern. Brethren are therefore free to explain to non-Masons, if asked, that Freemasonry is not confined to men (even though this Grand Lodge does not itself admit women). Further information about these bodies may be obtained by writing to the Grand Secretary."
A majority of Masons, as part of their initiation, swear "not to be present at the making of a woman a Mason." However, since every Masonic grand jurisdiction is independent and autonomous, it seems possible that with the passage of time that, even if the two genders remain separate for the "making" (initiation) of a Mason -- in part due to the unusual clothing worn during the ceremony which includes baring of the chest -- perhaps some Grand Masters will continue this advance toward mutual recognition and voluntary interaction between such lodges.
The following list is by no means exhaustive. Suggestions or corrections may be sent here.
Organisations
- Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons "The HFAF is a fraternity for women and organised by women. It was founded in 1913 and membership is open to women of any race or religion, who are able to profess a belief in a Supreme Being."
- Grande Loge Féminine de France "Our all-female Lodges are privileged places where women can develop their ideas and their feminine discourse, where they can experience going to the end of their research for, as one of our founding member expressed it: 'a woman Mason is an ordinary woman but a self demanding one.'"
- Co-Masonry: Freemasonry for Women "Freemasonry is a special way of living expressed through symbols and dramatic stories. It points the way to self-improvement through service to others... Co-Freemasonry is an international Masonic order that admits men and women..."
- Le Droit Humain: The Order of International Co-Freemasonry An organization of women and men "built out of a marvelous dream, to unite humanity despite all the barriers, ethnic groups, geopolitics, religions and cultures."
- Four Belgian Masonic Obediences "Freemasonry is a universal society of brotherhood of all men and women, aiming at the progress and perfection of mankind."
- Women's Freemasonry USA "Freemasonry is an initiatory society dedicated to the study of universal problems. Through its symbolism and philosophic approach, it teaches Freemasons their true relationship to Nature and Humankind. It is an Alliance based on solidarity between all human beings."
- Order of the Eastern Star "The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong."
- Supreme Council Order of the Amaranth "The Order of the Amaranth is a social, fraternal, and charitable organization whose membership is open to both men and women with a Masonic affiliation."
- Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for Men & Women "The Order was created to meet a need by senior members coming out of Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain in order to provide a modern organisation for the Millennium... [W]e believe that a belief in a Supreme Being is essential for Masonic work."
Vita Feminea Testura: The Order of Weavers "A path of spiritual development for women."
Articles
GRAND LODGE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA & YUKON
- Women In Freemasonry Excerpted from a talk given by VW Bro. Rev. Neville B. Cryer to the Philalethes Society, as printed in Masonic Times, May, 1995, Rochester, New York, USA
- The Traditional History of the Order of Women Freemasons An Illustrated Lecture by Bro. Irene Peters, S.W. Lodge Anwyl No. 256 Mold, 1973 mirror
- The Hon. Miss St. Leger and Freemasonry by By Bro. Edward Conder, Ars Quatuor Coronatorum: Transactions of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge #2076, London OTHER WEBSITES
- Women of the Lodge BBC, June 28, 2005
- A History of Women’s Masonry by Barbara L. Thames, 18°, Atlanta Lodge, No. 21, Eastern Order of International Co-Freemasonry
- Women & Freemasonry Wikipedia
- Freemasonry & Fraternal Organizations Stichting Argus, Netherlands
- In Defense of Safe Spaces by eeka on One Smoot Short of a Bridge NOTE: These opinions are mine and do not represent any person, organization, or entity other than myself.