When Will Women Be Allowed to Be Freemasons? - A Comprehensive Analysis

For centuries, Freemasonry has been a male-dominated society, adhering to strict traditions and interpretations of what it means to be a Freemason. The question of whether women should be allowed to become Freemasons has been a topic of debate. This article delves into the history, current status, and potential future of women in Freemasonry.

The Traditional Perspective

The traditional Ancient Craft of Freemasonry has long maintained that it is a Brotherhood, where the word "brotherhood" is not meant to imply inclusion but rather an ancient, exclusive group of male members. The original lodge, as traced back to ancient times, has always operated under this principle. As one Freemason explained, 'If you understand what that means, you’ll understand why there are no female masons within the original Masonic lodge.' This tradition is deeply rooted in history and is upheld by many members.

The Historical Context

Historically, women have been a part of Freemasonry for over 120 years, with numerous examples from around the world. Organizations such as the #39;Ladies Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry#39; (Le Droit Humain) and the Eastern Star, which date back to the early 19th century, have been open to women. In the United States, women's Masonic organizations operate openly and accept female members. Additionally, in continental Europe, most Masonic organizations accept and initiate women as members, allowing them to advance through various degrees, including the 33rd degree in the Scottish Rite.

Fraternity and Clandestine Lodges

Freemasonry is a fraternity, a term that refers to a group of men who come together based on mutual interests and values. As such, it is inherently closed to non-men. However, there are clandestine lodges that allow women to join, and some women have even formed their own lodges. These groups are not recognized by the original Masonic lodge and members of the real Freemason fraternity are forbidden from visiting or participating in them. In Masonic terminology, these are termed "clandestine" or "irregular" lodges.

The Future of Women in Freemasonry

While the idea of integrating women into traditional Freemasonry is a subject of considerable debate, the status quo is unlikely to change in the near future. There are those who believe that it is a concept from a "neanderthal" age, and that it is time for a change. Shawn, a Freemason, writes, "Co-Freemasonry has no wish to control what you do and fully understand that some men are uncomfortable Crafting with the fairer sex. But denying what already exists is rather a neanderthal concept."

However, the idea of co-masonry, where men and women can join the same lodges, raises several ethical and practical concerns. The future of women in Freemasonry lies in the balance. According to some, it is a possibility that the sexes may eventually merge formally, whether men and women wish it or not. But until such a time, the risk of un-Masonic alliances or dalliances between the sexes must be addressed. Single-sex lodges offer a clear solution to these ethical concerns.

Conclusion

The question of whether women should be allowed to be Freemasons remains a contentious issue. While historical and current practices allow for the existence of women in various forms of Freemasonry, true inclusion in the original lodge is unlikely to occur in the near future. The debates and discussions surrounding this topic are ongoing, and the future of Freemasonry remains to be seen. What is certain is that the journey to a more inclusive Masonic world will be complex and multifaceted.