Panel finds golf club violated ordinance (spousal benefits to gays)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/0104/13club.html

The six members of Atlanta's Human Relations Commission said Monday they believe Druid Hills Golf Club has violated a city ordinance by not extending spousal benefits to the partners of gay members.

"It's clear that Druid Hills Golf Club does not deny that they treat married couples and couples that have a domestic relationship differently, and the ordinance clearly states that they should not be treated differently, and that's it," said Dr. Fernando A. Gonzalez, a commission member, following two hours of testimony.

Lee Kyser and Randy L. New, members of the club, filed their complaint in July after the club repeatedly denied their requests that their partners be viewed as spouses and be afforded the associated privileges: attending the club alone, playing golf without paying guest fees and inheriting the membership upon the member's death.

Their complaint is only the second sexual-orientation discrimination complaint ever legally filed against a country club in the United States. And given that the first case is tied up in a California appeals court, Kyser and New's case could set a precedent for country clubs in Atlanta and around the country.

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

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[Bunny]

4. Well, you sure came to the wrong place to spout this crap.

"homosexuals and welfare whores"? Did you come up with this yourself, or was that in the blast fax for today?

[Sapphocrat]

5. Well, at least we know where you stand...

"For the record, I don't give a shit about gay couples."

That's lovely. Really. Makes me proud as punch to share the same "big tent" with you.

Would you give a shit about a private golf club that refused to extend the same benefits to spouses of black, Jewish, or female members? They're just minorities, and I hear some o' them folks lead reeeeal "unorthodox lifestyles."

Oh, wait, you know, there's an easy answer to this -- they should just deny membership to blacks, Jews, women, and queers, just like in the good old days.

:eyes:

[oldcoot]

9. The Golf Club did violate the law

The club violated a city ordinance. If Druid Hills Golf Club does not wish to following Atlanta's city ordinances, it should close and relocate somewhere else.

I agree that tolerance is a two-way street. However, I do not feel that gays and lesbians are being unreasonable in asking for equal rights. As American citizens and taxpayers, they have a right to equal protection under the law. They should be able to adopt, seek employment, and leave their property to whomever they choose. They should also be able to marry.

I have no doubt that gays and lesbians are well aware that many people do not approve of their "lifestyle." Despite several studies, which have demonstrated that homosexuality may have biological causes, many still insist that homosexuality is a choice. They believe it is a "sin." Some of these same people also believe that women should be submissive to men. I find it unlikely that they would support a political party that advocates equality between women and men. Should the Democrats abandon women's rights to please these people?


There are many reasons that rural voters do not vote for Democrats. One of the biggest issues to rural voters in the West is the fact that Democrats are interested in protecting the environment. Rural voters resent any interference with "their land" (even if the land technically belongs to the American taxpayer). Simply abandoning gays and lesbians will not win their votes. Instead, Democrats would have to drop the environment as a key issue.


We should not forget the reason that many of us joined the Democratic Party. One of the reasons that I am a Democrat is the fact that Democratic Party use to stand up for the common person. We do not need two parties for rich, white, heterosexual males.

[TheMiddleRoad]

2. Unconstitutional

If this is indeed a club wholly owned by it's members, the ordinance is unconstitutional. Clubs have the right to free association. They also have the right to write the terms of their membership.

Homosexual groups should feel free to protest as much as they want. It's appropriate to protest when you think your being singled out. But using law to FORCE people to accept homosexual marriage is wrong and Democrats WILL pay for it at the voting booth.

[beyurslf]

3. I assume this country club is a private group?

They should have the right to make their own rules. While I think gay couples should be given the privelges of marriage, I don't think this private organization should be forced to grant it. I may not like the Boy Scouts policy, but I support it their right to it. (Just don't expect my support for the organization.)

[davidinalameda]

6. read this section of the article

If the mayor agrees with the commission's findings, Druid Hills Country Club will likely be asked to change its bylaws. If its board refuses, the mayor could take away the club's business and liquor licenses.

if they were only a private club, why would they need a business license and a liquor license

[saigon68]

10. I guess these bigots will have to go dry.

No Liquor License

so sad

[toopers]

12. Or, they can supply their own liqour.

Each member will bring his own beverage and leave it on the premises.

[toopers]

11. Because the government controls the "sales" of liquor.

And eventhough the Country Club is a private, non-profit organization, it does sell liquor, which is regulated by government because it is considered a controlled substance.

[Bill McBlueState]

7. private or not?

From the article, it sounds like the club has liquor and business licences that the city can rescind if they're guilty of discrimination. I think that's what's at issue.

[Bunny]

8. Yeah, that does seem to be the issue.

If there is a local ordinance requiring all companies to extend same sex privileges, it may be a condition of doing business in that locality. If that's the case, then screw the country club - let them relocate if they don't like it!

I do, however, understand the point about private companies being able to do what they want. I agree about the previous poster and the Boy Scouts - if they want to openly discriminate, then let them. I, and other right-minded people, can refuse to support them, hopefully to the extent that they are forced to become more inclusive. Same with Salvation Army and all the other organizations who continue to preach and practice this kind of discrimination.

The day is coming when gays will have equal rights and privileges, and it'll be done through some combination of legislation and societal pressure, in much the same way as the Civil Rights and Women's Movements.

And not a day too soon!