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The Ring

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from consequences, though.
Agreed. If you have not earned the right to wear a decoration or title I simply believe that it is deceptive and morally wrong to do so. Does a non-Mason have the legal right to wear the Square and Compasses symbol? Sure. Does he have a moral right to wear it? No, IMHO.
 
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Rifleman1776

Registered User
Many states still have laws on the books that make it a misdemeanor punishable by fines or jail time to produce or wear a Masonic symbol when not entitled to it. Though I doubt it has been actually prosecuted in anyone here's lifetime!

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That sounds like some kind of urban myth. Name one state with such laws please, I'll check it out.
 

Winter

Premium Member
That sounds like some kind of urban myth. Name one state with such laws please, I'll check it out.
I do not post urban myths, Rifleman. I assure you it is a fact. My home jurisdiction of Wisconsin is one. The relavent state statute is even listed in the GLofWI education manual. Known as the "Green Book". I verified the statute was still on the books when I worked in LE in Wisconsin and was even able to find others still on the book. I will be happy to post the statute when I get home from work.

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Winter

Premium Member
That sounds like some kind of urban myth. Name one state with such laws please, I'll check it out.

Here is just one of the seven state statutes in Wisconsin still in effect that protect Freemasonry:

132.17 Certain badges; penalty for unauthorized wearing. Any person who shall willfully wear the insignia, rosette, or badge or any imitation thereof, of Free Masons, or of any other society, order or organization operating under the lodge system, of ten years standing in the State of Wisconsin or of any duly incorporated fraternal... organization which willfully use the same to obtain aid or assistance thereby within this state, or shall willfully use the name of such society, order or organization, the titles of its officers, or its insignia, unless he shall be entitled to use or wear the same under the constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations thereof, shall be imprisoned not more than 30 days or fined not exceeding $20, or both. (October 1, 1989)
 

Rifleman1776

Registered User
Here is just one of the seven state statutes in Wisconsin still in effect that protect Freemasonry:

132.17 Certain badges; penalty for unauthorized wearing. Any person who shall willfully wear the insignia, rosette, or badge or any imitation thereof, of Free Masons, or of any other society, order or organization operating under the lodge system, of ten years standing in the State of Wisconsin or of any duly incorporated fraternal... organization which willfully use the same to obtain aid or assistance thereby within this state, or shall willfully use the name of such society, order or organization, the titles of its officers, or its insignia, unless he shall be entitled to use or wear the same under the constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations thereof, shall be imprisoned not more than 30 days or fined not exceeding $20, or both. (October 1, 1989)


OK. They did it. But very bizarre. I'm sure it would not hold up in courts. First Amendment and all that.
 

Winter

Premium Member
OK. They did it. But very bizarre. I'm sure it would not hold up in courts. First Amendment and all that.

Wisconsin's protection of the use of our emblems is not unique. http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/grandlodge/trademark.html

Summary
1992 - Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania registered the square and compasses for their jurisdiction and the Masonic Service Association of North America sent a letter to all U.S. Grand Secretaries explaining that, as there is no U.S. masonic national authority, each Grand Lodge would have to register independently. (Unknown how many have registered at this time)

According to the Grand Lodge of Michigan Constitutions and By-Laws, Art. XXXI, 4-31 Sec. 2, any non-mason that uses the names and emblems (square and compasses) can be taken to court under the Michigan Annotated Statutes 18.641-18.647, 18-661-18.665, 18.671-18.675 and 18.691-18.692. For those freemasons that misuse the names and emblems, it is considered an unmasonic crime.

1994- Grand Lodge of Idaho registered the square and compasses, restricting its use in that state. A special agreement with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon, which warrants Prince Hall lodges in Idaho, permits them to use it also.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland also has a copyright in place for the square and compasses incorporating the letter G.

1994 - Masonic Foundation of Ontario officially registered the Grand Lodge logo, the square and compasses with the letter G, with Consumer and Corporate Affairs.

2001 - New Zealand has registered the Mason's Mark.
 

Thomas Stright

Premium Member
OK. They did it. But very bizarre. I'm sure it would not hold up in courts. First Amendment and all that.

Not sure how the 1st would apply there...

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
1992 - Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania registered the square and compasses for their jurisdiction and the Masonic Service Association of North America sent a letter to all U.S. Grand Secretaries explaining that, as there is no U.S. masonic national authority, each Grand Lodge would have to register independently. (Unknown how many have registered at this time)

According to the Grand Lodge of Michigan Constitutions and By-Laws, Art. XXXI, 4-31 Sec. 2, any non-mason that uses the names and emblems (square and compasses) can be taken to court under the Michigan Annotated Statutes 18.641-18.647, 18-661-18.665, 18.671-18.675 and 18.691-18.692. For those freemasons that misuse the names and emblems, it is considered an unmasonic crime.

1994- Grand Lodge of Idaho registered the square and compasses, restricting its use in that state. A special agreement with the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Oregon, which warrants Prince Hall lodges in Idaho, permits them to use it also.

The Grand Lodge of Scotland also has a copyright in place for the square and compasses incorporating the letter G.

1994 - Masonic Foundation of Ontario officially registered the Grand Lodge logo, the square and compasses with the letter G, with Consumer and Corporate Affairs.

2001 - New Zealand has registered the Mason's Mark.
Interesting info Brother Winter...thanks!
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Not sure how the 1st would apply there...

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Exactly. “Congress shall not...” States can make laws protecting such things, and do regularly.
 
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