Are freemasons gay

Supreme Gay decision legalizing gay marriage. Freemasons in Tennessee voted to uphold a ban on gay members Thursday during a members-only meeting in Nashville, according to Freemasons who witnessed the vote. Geiser, a year-old Freemason who joined the order in and became a full member insaid the suspension of the two West Tennessee Freemasons has cast light on a broader cultural issue within the Freemasons.

The organization has about 41, members in Tennessee and more than lodges are the state, according to the Grand Lodge's website. Is homosexuality accepted in Freemasonry? Geiser said the organization saw a spike in membership following World War II, and then a large falloff in the baby boomer generation.

Hodapp said he received about five anonymous emails and text messages, reporting the failure of the measure to overturn the ban. On Thursday, Geiser told The Tennessean he had heard the ban was upheld from three Freemasons who witnessed the vote.

Freemasons in Tennessee will decide this week whether to lift the ban. Freemasonry is a fraternity of men who, according to the lodge's website, are dedicated to "building the moral character of its members and the preservation of personal freedom.

Inclusivity and Freemasonry: How an openly gay Freemason was ‘instilled’ with the power to be himself 'My experience has been fantastic! A handful of Nashville Freemasons have withdrawn from Tennessee chapters in order to speak out for the two men.

Clark also emphasized that the decision to ban gay Freemasons is specifically a local issue and that he has heard support from Freemasons under different grand lodges across the country. This is the last thing that should be going on.

Today we are discussing; homosexuality in Freemasonry, more specifically: Can you be an openly gay man, and a Freemason? Two Freemasons confirmed the results to The Tennessean, but asked for anonymity since business conducted at the meetings is secret, and revealing it could have them kicked out of the organization.

After hearing news of Thursday's vote, Clark said he was deeply disappointed and believes the freemasons of the Grand Lodge will set a precedent for future discrimination against any gay Freemasons who come forward. Freemasonry, especially my Lodge, has continued to support me in all of my endeavours, whether that is related to my sexuality or otherwise.

That is not the principles of equality and meeting 'on the level. Let’s get started The Freemasons’ Community: A first-of-its-kind online community for those looking to learn more about the mysteries of Freemasonry in the company of like. Hodapp, who is based in Indianapolis and has followed the issues extensively, posted to his blog around midday saying that reports were trickling out of the meeting in Nashville about the vote upholding the ban.

Exploring Acceptance of Married

Grand masters nationally and internationally have weighed in on the debate, and California and Washington, D. But each state is autonomous, Hodapp said. Now, he said, many young men are looking to align themselves with socially conscious fraternal organizations.

Freemasons are best known for their secrecy, but they are having a very public dispute — about a ban on gay members.