ELGA welcomes moves to equality
22 March 2006
ELGA has welcomed a new EU directive on equality in golf clubs and is joining the debate to shape changes in the law.
The directive, on the equal treatment of men and women in golf clubs, must become law in the UK no later than 21 December 2007 .
Draft proposals for changes in the law are expected this Spring and ELGA is joining other ladies’ governing bodies to lobby Westminster .
In particular the association wants to ensure that:
- Private members’ clubs are included in the new legislation.
- The ladies’ governing bodies will aim to protect the position of ladies who are content with their category of membership and are opposed to change.
- Sanctions, for example through licensing laws, will be included to ensure that clubs have to comply with the new law.
ELGA actively encourages golf clubs to introduce equality and works with them to manage changes. However, it recognises that some lady members are opposed to change. The association has also previously lobbied Westminster to try to get an equal treatment directive passed by Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Ladies’ Golf Union has just published a discussion document on its website www.lgu.org setting out issues for golf clubs to consider.
Changes in the law are likely to mean that golf clubs may no longer be allowed to have:
- Differing membership rights or membership categories based on gender.
- Inequality in access to tee times based on gender.
- Restrictions on voting rights or unequal voting rights for one gender.
- Inequality in access to bars, restaurants or other facilities based on gender.
- Restricted ability to hold office, for example as captain or committee member, based on gender
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