Women allowed in Freemasonry?

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Women allowed in Freemasonry?

by Bree
(Nashua, NH)

Why aren't women allowed to join Freemasons? I do know that there was a woman accepted a few years ago.

Thanks, Bree

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Women allowed in Freemasonry?

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Feb 05, 2011
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Women Freemasons
by: Tim

Bree,

Thank you very much for your question. The topic of women Freemasons is not merely complicated but it quickly becomes controversial, as well. There are, of course, whole organizations and appended bodies within the Masonic family for women, but this doesn't really address the question of why women can't join a Masonic Lodge.

The short answer is, it's tradition and tradition is very important in Freemasonry. That's how our ancient Brethren did it; that's how it's always been done; and, that's how it is. But, that still doesn't really answer the question of why, does it?

I imagine if you gathered together a thousand Freemasons and ask them this question you would get at least a thousand different answers. So far as I know there is no official reason. But, I can tell you why I think it's still a good idea that women do not join the Lodge. To put it as succinctly as I possibly can, when women are around men become idiots.

The Masonic Lodge is meant to be a place of peace and harmony, a sacred retreat of friendship and virtue. Within this refuge men gather on an equal footing and set aside their differences to labor for the good of each other, the community and all of mankind. It's difficult enough to maintain this peace and harmony when the Masonic Lodge is made up only of men. If women were entered into the mix, with all our masculine weaknesses and insecurities, it would be near to impossible.

Maybe that's not the reason at all. Maybe that's just my justification for the segregation. Maybe there is no good reason. But, I do believe that given the wisdom our ancient Brethren evinced in all manner of things, they must have had their reasons.

For more information regarding Masonic bodies available to women please see the Can a Woman Become a Freemason page.

Thank you again for this question. Hopefully, others will share their own thoughts on the matter.

Fraternally,

Tim

Sep 21, 2011
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Women being masons
by: Anonymous

I understand the concept that I read above, that the men become .. Not so brotherly I guess how u said it? When women are around and as a women in my 20s at first I was like u know what, fair enough. But then I thought of my Easter Star group and there are masons and women and I have never felt uncomfortable or felt that they feel uncomfortable. I acctuley feel like the combination of equilness between the men and women somehow elevate the whole experience and I appreciate that. That alone has shown me more about the masonic principles than any words could teach. So if it's ok to have them cohabitate for 100 years without incedent then it's kinda officially been proven that it is possible but I respect your opinion. And I respect the rules and will fallow them. Tho I will say I would love to have the opportunity to be a mason one day but I am more than happy in my eastern star group and do not want for anything. But I think it would be pretty awsome as I have an extreme love of tradition and history and like to learn all that I can. But I guess I'll have to wait and see how it all works out.

Oct 06, 2011
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Women being Masons - good point
by: Tim

Dear Anon,

I see your point. If men and women can function successfully in the Star, why not in the Lodge?

In the spirit of full disclosure I confess that I am not a member of the Star. Not for any particular reason. My wife has no interest in joining and I have not felt the need to. So, my reasoning on the subject may not be the best, but here it is...

As I understand the way the Star works the Ladies run the show. The men are basically arm-candy and do as they're told. I can see how that would work so long as everyone understands the arrangement going in. There's no competition between the sexes.

But, I'm not so sure that would work so well in the Lodge. During a Lodge meeting men occasionally disagree, sometimes heatedly, but they do not then have to go home together after the meeting. I'm not saying this is a good reason for keeping things separate, but it is something to consider.

I also have to admit I think any good person can benefit from the experience of Masonic ritual and tradition. I think the future holds a place for Co-Masonry as well as women-only Lodges, but whether these will ever be commingled with regular Masonic lodges is another matter altogether.

Thanks for your comments and food for thought.

Oct 30, 2011
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Women being Masons
by: Anonymous

I guess no one dares say it. And everyone has to be politically correct so they won't. However, I'm not a Mason, I'm considering it, but haven't petitioned, and have no association with the masons at this point.

I'm going to GENERALIZE here, so don't scold me and say "I don't do that".

A large percentage of Women run their lives based on their emotions and feelings, it's how they're wired, GENERALLY speaking.

Men on the other hand run their lives based on logic and reason.

I'm not saying either is better or worse, and in real life, it's very beneficial in the relationship to have checks and balances in both directions.

However, the Masons are not a husband/wife relationship, it's an organization created by men. These men formed it based on their views. Men's views, without the checks and balances from women.

Therefore it would be pretty much impossible for the Masons to continue as they are, on the path they've always taken, and follow the traditions created by men, if women were able to interject.

It would change. One might argue that it would change for better or for worse, but it would change.

I don't believe personally that the Masons should change, it's among the worlds oldest organizations, and has outlived many countries. That says something for it's structure.

So given that, I think it wise to keep it a fraternity.

I'm sure I'll be chastised here and called a sexist for suggesting there are differences between men and women. But there are. Physical, mental, emotional, quite often even moral.

Allow women if you want it to change, don't allow women if you want it to remain the same, I think it's as simple as that.

Dec 18, 2011
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Wisdom unknown to the False Prophets
by: Anonymous

Women have no place in Masonry because they are wiser, and older, and more cunning than the ramrod Church of Reason, an order of thieves and charlatans at the top, and subservient automata at the bottom.

Show me the stone that the builders rejected: That is the cornerstone.

The Pharisees and the scribes have taken the keys of knowledge and have hidden them. They have not entered, nor have they allowed those who want to enter to do so.

There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and there is nothing covered that will remain undisclosed.

WHEN YOU MAKE THE TWO INTO ONE, AND WHEN YOU MAKE THE INNER LIKE THE OUTER AND THE OUTER LIKE THE INNER, AND THE UPPER LIKE THE LOWER, AND WHEN YOU MAKE MALE AND FEMALE INTO A SINGLE ONE, SO THAT THE MALE WILL NOT BE MALE NOR THE FEMALE BE FEMALE, THEN YOU WILL ENTER THE KINGDOM.

Having kept secret the reality of the Adam Kadmon, under sanction of silence, and sent humanity into a vice of darkness, the Masons would do well to remember that Whoever blasphemes against the father will be forgiven, and whoever blasphemes against the son will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit will not be forgiven, either on earth or in heaven. There is light within a person of light, and it lights up the whole world. If it does not shine, it is dark.

Your days are numbered, control is slipping away, and the silence guarding your secrets of darkness will not fathom The Light.

Jan 10, 2012
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re:
by: Anonymous

"days are numbered" ....must be speaking of radical feminism!

Jan 15, 2012
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women in masonry
by: Ana

I find the anonymous comment from Oct 30 to be most offensive. There is no genetic evidence that women base their decisions on emotions and men on logic.

I, personally, believe women should be admitted. I have been reading extensively about masons and find them to be dedicated to rationality of mind, among other things.

The rule against women was created in a time when women were thought to be less than men. Nowdays, women are considered politically, socially, scientifically equal to men. I can find no logical basis to continue to exclude them.

Furthermore, the old requirements required a man to be "sound of body." It was explained to me that that this is no longer strictly followed because it was a rule created when the masons were actual stonemasons and physically impaired men would not be able to join this trade. It seems incongruent, then, that other outdated rules with no continuing rational basis are still followed.

I have also read that "Each person must learn and practice self-control. Each person must make sure his spiritual nature triumphs over his animal nature." If this were true of a mason, it would seem to me that the presence of women should not disrupt his intellectual discourse. I believe men, especially masons, to be capable of putting aside their animal attraction to women and relating to them intellectually as equals. Masons can put aside other differences they have with other humans in the name of peace and harmony, so why is gender such an indefeatable challenge?

And, if a possibility sexual attraction is the mason's bane, are gay men unallowed to join? Or are they capable of putting aside their attraction to each other long enough to think of something higher?

Thank you for your time,
~Ana

Jan 22, 2012
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Seriously
by: Anonymous

The very principle that makes the Freemasons who they are is basically what makes them in my opinion currupt as religion. For it is the notion of free thinking that is the foundation and it's principles. To not allow a gender into the fraternity goes against that principle thought! It's biased, and bias is not stength, but pure ignorance, that in turn breeds more ignorance. Our common element is we are all human !

Feb 20, 2012
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mcp
by: Anonymous

This is directed at the "man"who posted on Jan. 10. Since when is feminism radical ? It is simply half the population of humans on this earth demanding to be treated with the same consideration given to the other half of the human population.

Apr 04, 2012
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Equality
by: Natasha

How come Freemasons stand for equality with race, nationality or even sexuality when it comes to men, but not with gender? It's incomprehensible in my eyes. Everyone should have the same rights. Do men not have to go through an interview stage before they are accepted? Why can't women be put through that as well to observe that any particular woman won't unbalance the harmony. Surely masons are meant to be strong minded and won't be uncomfortable or distracted with something as little as women being accepted also. I'm sorry if some people perceive this as being whiny but it just doesn't fit in my head. I know it's all about tradition and it's impressive that it has been kept that way for so long but women are equal to men in pretty much all other aspects of life, so why not this?

Apr 16, 2012
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not whiny
by: Anonymous

You voicing your opinion is not whiny. People who want to silence you or who disagree with you label your opinion as whiny. Once again, my husband has gone to the lodge and once again I feel sick to my stomach. I tell him this but he refuses to quit. I don't know if I can continue to live with him supporting gender discrimination.

May 09, 2012
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Women and Freemasonry NEW
by: Scott

I am Sr. Warden of my lodge, and I can tell you that there is no actual reasoning behind it today. However, what I will say is that there are some things better left as they are. There is nothing in freemasonry that women would not be able to understand or do. It is mainly a matter of tradition. Just like the catholic church does not allow women to become priests, not because they wouldn't be able to do it, but that's how it's always been done. Masons try to stay as close to the original teachings of the fraternity and do not like change. Let's keep in mind though, that there are thousands of men only fraternities, and women only sorities, this is just another example. We do care for women very much in masonry, in fact we probably wouldn't be able to survive without our wives and families in masonry. This is why we have made the other bodies such as the Eastern Star, Job's daughters, rainbow girls, amaranth, etc. But regular Masonry will not allow women for the same reasons we don't change anything else in masonry, because it's tradition. You may think it to be terrible of an organization to not welcome change, but it is what it is. Plus, men need a place to go where we can get away from women for a while lol. I say that not out of disrespect but just because it's true. For the person that asked about gay people, they are welcome in most lodges but they are better to keep quiet about it. Masonry is very conservative and old fashioned but it's a don't ask don't tell process. A man is still a man no matter what his sexual orientation is, but we ask everyone to keep their sexuality to themselves if they think it could cause trouble. Thanks for reading hope this helps a little bit!

May 10, 2012
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Wisdom of our ancient Masonic Brethren NEW
by: Tim

Actually, there is sound reasoning behind the ancient tradition of maintaining the Masonic Lodge as a men only sanctuary. And now, science has demonstrated that our ancient Brethren knew what they were doing. A new article from Scientific American about a recent study explains it much better than I can:

"Why Interacting with a Woman Can Leave Men "Cognitively Impaired""

To quote from the conclusion of the article:

"Overall, it seems clear that whenever we face situations where we’re particularly concerned about the impression that we’re making, we may literally have difficulty thinking clearly. In the case of men, thinking about interacting with a woman is enough to make their brains go a bit fuzzy."

So, it's not an anitquated tradition after all. It's science.

May 11, 2012
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Women are the weaker then man. NEW
by: MIKE D

I used to be a proponent of equality amongst the sexes in all matters of life largely because I have 5 sisters and was raised by a single mother in America. Only after traveling around the world several times did women teach me the larger truth. The fact is that women are weaker than men overall. This is physically visible when we look at the physical strength of a woman, but this also extends to the mental strength of the two genders. Look at the disproportionate gap in men to women that hold leadership positions. In America this kind of rhetoric is unacceptable, and these are not my feeling but the beliefs of women that I have encountered.

May 11, 2012
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Hi Mike NEW
by: Anonymous

You must have encountered women with a far different outlook than mine.

I'll have to look into that article but the initial article you quoted Tim, could be interpreted in many ways. Just because a psychologist carries out an experiment, does not mean the results apply to any situation. Results of experiments must be able to be duplicated by others and I have not seen that the experiment has been duplicated.

So, what if a person who was a woman and had a sex change wanted to become a mason ? Could he ? What about a transgender woman who still has a penis ? I think fraternities or sororities are outdated and unnecessary as well.

My husband should have known that the whole thing would be unacceptable to me. I just try to make it as difficult as possible for him to attend. Hopefully he'll get it one of these days.

May 13, 2012
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Scott NEW
by: Anonymous

The OES is not masonry. That point was emphasized during my initiation. I want the same symbolism and learning as my husband experiences. Masons are like little boys with their forts. No girls allowed. One would think that by adulthood, they could leave these childish notions behind. Particularly so as they love to congratulate themselves on how wise and morally superior to others they have become since becoming masons. Over the past year in which my husband has become a mason, I have learned that basically, it is an organization of pathetic, old fools. They love women as long as the women behave in ways that are acceptable to them. I choose to conduct my life in ways that I find are acceptable to myself. We need to stop questioning why there are no women in masonry. They have no answer that makes a lick of sense. (By the way Tim, the research you have cited lacks a sample group of variable ages as the average age of the sample group is 21 years.)

May 13, 2012
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You make my point... NEW
by: Tim

The fact that you think age would make a difference demonstrates my point: men and women are different. The age of the man does not matter. The only difference is that at 19 years of age we want all women to like us, and at ninety years experience has taught us that not all will. Regardless though, at any age when dealing with a woman our lizard brain is always whispering from the deep recesses of our mind, "She's pretty; I want her to like me." It's just nature.

Can men and women thrive in a mutual setting? Sure, but in different ways than in separate settings. We have our setting and we like it that way. You want to be a Mason, co-Masonry and women only Masonry is available to you. Go for it.

But then, maybe you don't want to be a Mason. I can't tell because you are an enigma. On one hand you state that you, "..want the same symbolism and learning as my husband experiences," but in the same paragraph you state that Masonry, "...is an organization of pathetic, old fools." So, why do you want the symbolism and learning of pathetic old fools?

May 14, 2012
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Tim NEW
by: Anonymous

I do not wish to be a mason any more. The way in which the whole thing operates makes me sick. Seriously ? "She's pretty and I want her to like me." ? I could understand that a 21 year old with raging hormones could think that way but not someone who perhaps requires viagra.

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Women allowed in Freemasonry?

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