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Gay Men in Masonry

Should gay men be allowed to join Masonry?

  • Yes

    Votes: 34 82.9%
  • No

    Votes: 7 17.1%

  • Total voters
    41
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tldubb

Premium Member
Any thoughts on gay men being able to join Masonry? I know this topic has been hit on a lot but I work with a man that is gay and interested in Masonry. He's a Marine, upstanding guy but he is gay and has a partner. Would any of you object to allowing a gay man join? Would you be comfortable in that situation?

I wouldn't.


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Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
Having a gay lodge brother or gay man petition a lodge. I'm heterosexual, but what business is it of anyone what two consenting adults do behind closed doors.


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Without addressing the underlying issue, but only the rationale---we do inquire as to what occurs behind closed doors. Many jurisdictions limit the conduct between a Master Mason and another Master Mason's wife, even if consenting. I have seen a PGM suspended for just this conduct.
 

tldubb

Premium Member
Without addressing the underlying issue, but only the rationale---we do inquire as to what occurs behind closed doors. Many jurisdictions limit the conduct between a Master Mason and another Master Mason's wife, even if consenting. I have seen a PGM suspended for just this conduct.

Well, my answer was not to anything contrary to the Ob that we take. We only ask the constitutional questions that are required in my jurisdiction. Sleeping with another brothers wife, daughter..etc, is violation of you OB. So, to clarify I meant two consenting adults, that's not in violation of your OB.


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LK600

Premium Member
Sexuality is the raw form of sensual and spiritual practices. There are lodges that rely more heavily on "Christian Ways" than the original ways of mysticism. The mastery that Christ wielded. It is long believed that Jesus had bisexual sensual relationships with his disciples and with Mary Magdalene. It is probable that this balanced energy in his body allowed it to raise to such level that he was then able to perform what seemed like "miracles". A man or woman's sensuality determines the level at which he or she attains self mastery.

Are you referring to Tantra and/or a path to the super-conscious? This school is very much Pagan in nature regardless what one or two Yogi's (and Dan Brown) will tell you. I'm very interested in your thoughts behind your post.
 

MasterBulldawg

Registered User
Any thoughts on gay men being able to join Masonry? I know this topic has been hit on a lot but I work with a man that is gay and interested in Masonry. He's a Marine, upstanding guy but he is gay and has a partner. Would any of you object to allowing a gay man join? Would you be comfortable in that situation?
I would say this is a issue that should be left up to the local Lodge unless there's a Grand Lodge rule or edict against it. But having said that it must also be pointed out that just because man meets the minimum qualifications to join the lodge doesn't mean he should automatically be admitted to Lodge. Freemasonry is not for everybody.

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CLewey44

Registered User
I would say this is a issue that should be left up to the local Lodge unless there's a Grand Lodge rule or edict against it. But having said that it must also be pointed out that just because man meets the minimum qualifications to join the lodge doesn't mean he should automatically be admitted to Lodge. Freemasonry is not for everybody.

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I agree. I think if a person has poor character, zero class, bad person or whatever, they can definitely get black-balled. However, I don't think because someone is gay they should get black-balled. If they come in dressed like they've been at a rave all night, they probably would not be eligible to join. But if they respectfully visit our lodge, look presentable, I wouldn't even care one way or the other who he loved or was attracted to. I think if that is something that can get you black-balled or disqualified with joining, it should be on the petition. But then again, how can we expect to be accepted if we are not accepting of others ourselves. It is not for everyone and I have no reason to believe that overly effeminate, obnoxious, disrespectful gay men are beating down our lodge doors to join. Just as there are not douchey, obnoxious disrespectful straight guys doing the same. We expect our new members to be well rounded men that have respect for the institution. Now what they do outside of lodge, as long as it's lawful, is none of my concern whatsoever and Masonry would be delving too far into politics if they suddenly took a stance on the matter.
 

MasterBulldawg

Registered User
Totally agree. I just don't think that being gay in and of it's self should be a disqualifier.
I believe in having a strong Westgate if the local lodges do their job and protect the Westgate and only let in men that are worthey then things are fine. I'm tired of lodges taking the in men that meet the minimum qualifications and that have the cash in hand only to add members of the sake of adding to membership. It should be quality not quantity that matters. And if a gay man is found worthy then that is fine. But I do not agree that just because a man is gay he should automatically get a pass to join if he wants to because we do not want to look as if we're homophobic he should have to be held to the same standards as anybody else and be found worthy to join.

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Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
Just a reminder...

At least in the Grand Jurisdiction that I reside (Texas), the question of sexual relationship preference is NOT on the petition for election.

Until the subject becomes such an "issue" that it be included with the basic questions that include "crimes of moral turpitude", "belief in Higher Power", then we can not discriminate, dictate, nor discipline potential members or members relating to their bedroom behavior.

The larger question, do WE really want to pose this question upon petitions for election? Does being homosexual make a person truly unworthy as a person or Brother? In a time where we are all battling the "old guard" and pushing to remove walls and build bridges, this would certainly in my opinion force us two steps backwards as a Fraternity.


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MasterBulldawg

Registered User
I don't think anyone is saying a gay man should get a pass on meeting requirements, brother. Quality over quantity? I couldn't agree more, sir.
I'm not necessarily saying people are but in today's day and age and Society it seems like more and more they have to have a disqualification not to be accepted. Because if a person that is gay gets turned down for something in this case masonry and you don't have a big glaring disqualification then the critics are going holler that he was blackballed simply because he was gay. And that the institution of Freemasonry is homophobic.

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