Should Homosexuality Be Accepted In Freemasonry?
Brethren, today we’re going to be discussing a very controversial topic that I know many people have strong views against/for.
Today we are discussing; homosexuality in Freemasonry.
You are welcome (and encouraged) to add your views (for or against) but please; let’s keep it civil.
The number of openly homosexual people is growing.
This is not because more people are homosexual today than before, but because, even though homosexuals are still not widely accepted, homosexuality is becoming less of a “taboo” and being homosexual is not considered “crazy” or “shocking” anymore.
I’m a heterosexual male and a Freemason but I have always wondered if Freemasonry accepted homosexual members and welcomes them to the fraternity.
In this article, we will discuss this idea covering the subject both theoretically and also taking a look at how “old rules” can come into play when it comes to accepting homosexuality in the Craft.
Is Freemasonry Based on Equality?
One of the main principles upon which Freemasonry is founded is equality.
Freemasons have always been advocates for all kind of equality – racial, social etc. Theoretically, this means that homosexuals should be accepted by Freemasonry.
The only requirements a man should have to join Freemasonry are (as we know); a belief in a supreme being and good moral standing. Therefore, sexual orientation is entirely out of the equation.
It is never mentioned in Freemasonry and a member is never asked about his sexual orientation.
However, while the principles of Freemasonry indicate that a homosexual should be able to join the fraternity, as he is equal to everyone else, this is not always the case in real life.
From my research about this subject, I came across a lot of members on forums that say they have a homosexual member in their lodge BUT I’m aware that certain lodges may not be so open to “alternative lifestyles” and homosexuals are not be “cast out”.
Freemasonry advocates freedom, and each and every member is allowed freedom of belief.
Certain members’ faith may induce them to believe that accepting a homosexual in Freemasonry may be a sin or immoral, and for this reason, a homosexual may be voted against or as we say “black-balled”.
Let’s keep in mind that Freemasonry has adult members of all ages, so older members who may not be as accustomed talking and hearing about homosexuality as we are today and might possibly believe that no homosexual should join Freemasonry as this would be immoral, and they may blackball a candidate.
So while Freemasonry in itself should accept any man of good character, regardless of sexual orientation, a person’s culture or personal beliefs may lead to a homosexual not being accepted into the fraternity.
I find this very controversial since every Freemason should apply all Masonic teachings to his life, and Freemasonry teaches us to accept everyone and to circumscribe prejudice which should not exist in our lives.
Would it be moral to vote against a person who wants to join Freemasonry to improve and develop just because of his sexual orientation?
While there is no rule prohibiting homosexuals to join Freemasonry and as we said; the subject of sexual orientation is never brought up in Freemasonry, some lodges may still be hesitant in accepting someone who is homosexual to join the fraternity.
However, Masonic teachings indicate that we are all brothers under the same sky and to be truly moral we should learn to tolerate, accept and respect everyone, no matter their race, beliefs, social status or sexual orientation is.
The way I see it; since many issues against homosexuality come from religious beliefs and Freemasonry is neither a religion nor a fraternity that follows one specific religion;
I would personally not have a problem with a homosexual becoming a brother.
What are your thoughts on this?
Do you think homosexuals should be / should not be allowed to join the Lodge? Have you ever had a homosexual male that wanted to join your lodge?
Let us know below BUT please let’s keep this respectful between brothers! Any distasteful comment will not be published.