A general view of the exterior of the Garrick Club
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)The campaign to end the “outrageous” 191-year ban on women joining the Garrick Club has reached Parliament, with a demand for a fresh vote on opening membership to all.
MPs have backed a Commons early day motion call on the clubland institution — where members have reportedly included Charles Dickens, Stephen Fry and Benedict Cumberbatch — to revoke its “gentlemen-only” rule.
The motion was tabled by Daisy Cooper, Liberal Democrat MP for St Albans, and has so far been supported by seven MPs from all parties — except the Conservatives.
The Garrick, known for its popularity with actors, broadcasters and lawyers, has been for “men of refinement and education” since it was founded in 1831, although female guests are allowed in some parts of the building.
The motion urges members “to behave ethically by holding a vote on, and voting in favour of, admitting women as members” and regrets “that currently the Garrick affords men opportunities through their membership to form connections with senior legal practitioners and members of the judiciary, which may support their professional aspirations, and that these opportunities are not available to women”.
It goes on to call on all private members’ clubs to “immediately abolish archaic rules preventing women from being admitted as members”.
The EDM — a parliamentary device used to publicise issues — comes after 300 senior figures from the legal profession, including Cherie Blair and about 100 other QCs, signed a petition to abolish the rule.
Ms Blair described how she was left “standing outside the Garrick” when her future husband — and fellow pupil — Tony was ushered inside.
The petition was organised by lingerie entrepreneur Emily Bendell, who sent a legal letter to the club in September 2020 stating that its ban on female members amounted to sex discrimination under section 29 of the Equality Act of 2010.
Ms Cooper said: “It’s outrageous that clubs such as the Garrick are maintaining these archaic rules that prevent women from joining. I’m delighted to be able to add my voice to the more than 300 legal professionals, who are urging the club to give equal access to the opportunities that men enjoy as members of this club.
“There’s no possible excuse for continuing to disadvantage women in this way in 2022.”
In 2015 the Garrick voted 50.5 per cent in favour of allowing female members, but under club rules a two-thirds majority is required for a change. Some members said another vote should take place after five years, but this has not happened.
A Garrick spokeswoman declined to comment, saying: “It’s a private members’ club and we don’t discuss anything with the media.”
