Garrick Club votes to allow female members
The organization was titled in tribute to the renowned performer of the 1700s, David Garrick.
The Garrick Club located in the West End of London has recently decided to permit female individuals to become members of the club as a result of the members' vote.
The exclusive club, which only allowed male members and was established in 1831, was facing criticism to accept women as members.
This Tuesday, the members made a decision to accept the admission of women into their group. This decision was made after they reviewed the legal terminology used to describe membership.
Simon Case, the top official in the civil service, as well as Richard Moore, the leader of MI6, have both stepped down from the organization following the disclosure of its roster of members.
The decision was approved, with almost 60% in support. The Garrick has been reached out to for their thoughts on the matter.
To confirm the resolution, it was necessary to have the support of half of the voters. However, for previous votes related to the inclusion of women in the group, a larger majority of two-thirds was needed.
After examining the regulations of the Garrick club, senior judges have determined that there is no rule that prohibits women from joining. This is due to the guidance provided by the 1925 Law of Property Act, which advises that the term "he" in legal documents should also be interpreted as including "she".
The membership list that was kept secret and published by the Guardian paper contained some well-known names, such as the King, judges, lawyers, cabinet ministers and other MPs. It also included some individuals from various fields like academia, acting, music and journalism, who held high-ranking positions.
Members of the group were recently disclosed, among them the Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and the Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove. The lineup also includes former cabinet ministers such as Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Kwasi Kwarteng, and Robert Buckland.
It was discovered that John Simpson and Melvyn Bragg, who work for BBC as broadcasters, were also part of the group.
The source of the image is Getty Images.
In March, a gathering of well-known women attorneys staged a demonstration outside of a club. They demanded that the club permit the inclusion of women.
When he used to be a club member, ex-culture minister Lord Vaizey talked on the Today programme about how the club was notably old-fashioned. Women weren't even allowed to use the main entrance, and they weren't allowed to eat in the primary dining hall.
Fortunately, things have changed a considerable time ago.
"No Hidden Society"
He stated that he does not believe that the Garrick is a confidential group of men who are secretly controlling a country. Instead, it is a pleasant location where individuals can visit for lunch and dinner, and women are just as welcome as men.
According to The Guardian, some of the members who support women's rights intended to propose a group of seven female candidates for the club, which includes popular actress Juliet Stevenson.
She spoke to Today and highlighted that a club which has mainly focused on the theatre and arts community for hundreds of years ought to be accessible to everyone.
"I'm not particularly interested in fancy meals and drinks, but I'm genuinely intrigued by sharing and debating ideas," she mentioned.
"I would definitely be interested in it if it's a suitable location for it to occur."
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