Tags: Cork, equality legislation, Ireland, Kathleen Lynch, politics, Portmarnock Golf Club, Supremem Court

Portmarnock Golf Club

FOLLOWING the Supreme Court finding that Portmarnock Golf Club was within its rights to exclude women as full members Cork Labour TD Kathleen Lynch is calling for current equality legislation to be reviewed.“The fact of the matter is that Portmarnock Golf Club discriminates against women, and while the Supreme Court has determined that this discrimination is lawful, that does not mean that we cannot find it objectionable.
“Indeed it is fair to say that the vast majority of people are excluded from membership of Portmarnock Golf Club thanks to the exorbitant membership fees that are in place.

“I understand that the finding is based on the Courts’ interpretation of the wording of the Equality Act, which would suggest that the wording may need to be tightened up.

“I would also be concerned that the Portmarnock case is only the tip of the iceberg, and that many other clubs and associations are in breach of the spirit of our equality laws, if not the letter.

“There is a case for a root-and-branch evaluation of the framework of our equality legislation to determine if it still fit for purpose and if it still meeting requirements in a changed world,” she said.