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Brisbane’s Men-only Tattersall’s Club Ends 150 Years Of Sex Discrimination

Brisbane’s men-only Tattersall’s Club ends 150 years of sex discrimination

Brisbane’s men-only Tattersall’s Club has decided to end 150-years of sex discrimination by allowing women membership for the first time.

However, it almost didn’t happen – with 1405 members voting for the change, and 1368 voting against.

Brisbane’s men-only Tattersall’s Club ends sex discrimination 

A group of men involved in the Queensland horse racing industry founded the Tattersall’s Club in 1865.

It describes itself as “one of Australia’s most prestigious private membership clubs”.

Members first voted on whether to allow women into the club more than a decade ago, however, the motion failed.

The club does, however, allow access to female relatives and friends as guests only.

Men-only Tatttersall’s Club.

Reason for change

Tattersall’s Club president Stuart Fraser said the vote to allow women came about as a result of declining patronage.

“This ballot follows the most extensive consultation in the club’s history.

“As a result, our members told us they needed us to amend the dress code, dining options and our membership model to reverse a decline in usage of our great club.

“We welcome the women in our families, the women in our lives, and the women in our communities.”

What does the law say?

Despite the policy, the law says organisations cannot treat someone differently, or less favourably, based on an attribute like sex or gender.

However, clubs like Tattersall’s are sometimes granted special exemptions under the Anti-Discrimination Act.

For example, women’s-only gyms or some gay and lesbian bars.

Relegated to the dust bin of history

Industrial advocate Miles Heffernan from Discrimination Claims welcomed the change.

“It’s 2018 – women run companies, they serve on boards, they are premiers and prime ministers,” he said.

“Why on earth would you not want them as part of your club?

“The days of these old-fashioned, sexist, exclusive mens-only clubs are over.

“They are a relic from a hundred years ago, and should be relegated to the dust bin of history.”


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