Men’s Clubs Shouldn’t Have to Be Hammered Into Opening Their Doors for All

Having eliminated crime from our streets, gridlock from our highways, the homeless from our parks, the deficit from the subway boondoggle, the sewage problems from our beaches and the dope peddlers from our corners, the politicians who manage Los Angeles have now turned their attention to establishing the standards for admission to our private clubs.

Under a recently enacted city ordinance, no club with more than 400 members may operate in Los Angeles and restrict its membership to either men or women if it regularly serves meals and if club charges are incurred “in furtherance of trade or business.” Substantial monetary damages, including attorney fees and court costs, will be imposed for violations.

As far as anyone knows, men are not pressing for admission to women’s clubs. The controversy arises, therefore, because some female professionals and some activists have persuaded City Hall that there are business and professional opportunities lost if women are excluded from membership in certain men’s clubs. The women have described these clubs as “citadels of power,” and they argue that if it were not for their sex they could be inside conducting business with the captains of industry who are believed to frequent these clubs.

Forget camaraderie, forget fraternity, forget the blessed but biological differences between the sexes. Consider only the ephemeral economic benefits that the ladies might enjoy if admitted to membership. And what happens when men’s clubs submit to pressure and admit women as regular members? As reported in the local media, the clubs have either been sued or threatened with suit because certain facilities were set apart or reserved for male members. The message is clear: Change the rules to admit women and open all facilities to the new women members or, at heavy expense, install matching facilities for the ladies.

Even so, there will always be those who will never be satisfied absent a sexless society, and one must anticipate continuing cries of discrimination in the management of men’s clubs if women are admitted. What will happen each time a female candidate is rejected? Almost certainly, claims of sexual discrimination will be raised. To defend themselves, clubs will have to disclose confidential information that had been supplied the membership committee on the rejected candidate. Under the ordinance, each lawsuit carries with it the threat of punitive damages to be awarded by a jury. Who will be willing to risk such liabilities and agree to serve as an officer or a director of such a club?

Men of the world, unite! The ladies have adopted and stepped into our pants, abandoned the kitchens and nurseries and challenged us in the professions. Most of us have supported their progress with enthusiasm. But now, with the assistance of the politicians, they intend to take over the last place of refuge for males --our clubs.

And so, women and friends of women, back off! Forget the ordinance. Leave men who desire it a last place of refuge from the battle of the sexes. Welcome to existing facilities and services provided for you as guests at our clubs, but spare us the shrill confrontations that will occur if you accept the responsibilities of membership. Pax vobiscum !