on Politics

Isn’t Freemasonry just another political pressure group?

Definitely not. Whilst individual Freemasons will have their own views on politics and state policy, Freemasonry as a body will never express a view on either. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.

Are there not Masonic groups who are involved in politics?

There are groups in other countries who call themselves Freemasons and who involve themselves in political matters.

They are not recognised or countenanced by the United Grand Lodge of Victoria and other regular Grand Lodges who follow the basic principles of Freemasonry and ban the discussion of politics and religion at their meetings.

Why don’t you have women members?

Traditionally, Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of Victoria has been restricted to men. The early stonemasons were all male, and when Freemasonry was organising, the position of women in society was different to what it is today. Freemasonry is a fraternity, or brotherhood, which by definition is restricted to men.

In many parts of the world, there are masonic-like organisations that are either exclusively for women, or offer mixed membership. The United Grand Lodge of Victoria does not recognise these organisations as regular lodges.