David Staples, pictured, has written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission over portrayal of Freemasons in the media
The Freemasons have been ‘discriminated’ against and are ‘undeservedly stigmatised’ in the media, the chief executive of the secretive organisation claimed.
Dr David Staples revealed he has contacted the Equality and Human Rights Commission over the recent portrayal of the Freemasons in newspaper reports.
He also announced lodges across the country will be hosting a series of question and answer sessions for the public to learn more about the United Grand Lodge of England.
The chief executive’s comments come after it was reported that two lodges for politicians and journalists are operating within Westminster.
New Welcome Lodge, which was created for politicians in the 1920s, boasts 22 members, while Gallery Lodge, for journalists, has 45 members.
After the revelations came to light, Conservative MPs and the National Union of Journalists called for the lodges to reveal their membership.
The chief executive of the United Grand Lodge of England took out full page advertisements in yesterday’s Times and Daily Telegraph where he criticised the media for misrepresenting the society.
Dr Staples said the Grand Lodge raised £33million for charity last year and have always embraced everyone.
He wrote: ‘As an organisation we welcome individuals from all walks of life, of any race, faith age, class or political persuasion. Throughout our 300-year history, when people have suffered discrimination Freemasonry has embraced them into our lodges as equals.
‘The United Grand Lodge of England believes that the ongoing gross misrepresentation of its 200,000 plus members is discrimination. Pure and simple.
‘Our members shouldn’t have to feel undeservedly stigmatised. No other organisation would stand for this and nor shall we.
‘I have written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission to make this case.
Freemasons will open ‘question and answer’ sessions across the country over the next six months to show the public what happens within the organisation
‘Over the next six months our members will be running a series of open evenings and Q&A events up and down the country. These will be promoted in the local media and on our website.’
Dr Staples also said he was happy to answer any questions about the Freemasons personally and closed the statement with the words, ‘we’re open’.
The first Freemason lodge in England was founded in the 18th century and since then, the organisation has remained largely secretive.
Only men are allowed to join the secular group and members have included Rudyard Kipling, Prince Philip and Buzz Alrin.