The world’s most enigmatic and secretive fraternity ring has reportedly broken from three-centuries-long tradition by allowing trans-gender women to join the criminally dubbed society.
In new guidance issued to its 200,000 members, the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) stated that trans-gender men were encouraged to join Freemasonry.
If a Freemason who is a member of UGLE wishes to change gender and become a woman we expect that the Freemason would receive the full support of their brethren.
Trans-women were welcome to remain members, if they underwent gender reassignment after joining the brotherhood as men, while a listed Freemasons who after initiation ceases to be a man does not cease to be a Freemason,” the lodge’s new policy on gender reassignment read.
Furthermore, if a male member changed gender to become a woman, they would still be called “Brother”, simply adding their female name, for instance “Brother Jane”.
As the news broke, social media erupted with confusion over the allegedly updated rules. Some traditions, however, remain, cisgender women are still not allowed to join the secret society.
As a single-sex society, masonic lodges are exempt from sexual discrimination legislation on admissions criteria, but the Gender Recognition Act of 2004 and the Equality Act of 2010 prevents Freemasons from leaving trans-gender men and women out of the brotherhood.
Sputnik / ABC Flash Point Breaking News 2018.
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