Portmarnock case a 'landmark'

A legal action against Portmarnock golf club for its policy of excluding women members represents a landmark moment in gender equality cases, the Equality Authority’s chief executive said today.

Portmarnock Golf Club in Co Dublin could lose its licence to sell alcohol if it is found guilty of discrimination – in the first case of its kind in the Republic.

The club is due to host the Nissan Irish Open – a key European golf tournament - from July 24 to 27.

In response, Portmarnock began High Court proceedings to establish its position in relation to the Equal Status Act.

Niall Crowley, chief executive of the Equality Authority, said it was a “very important moment” for the Act.

“This is the first case that has come to the courts,” he said.

“We have had contacts with quite a lot of golf clubs and all of the cases to date have been resolved through discussions between the women members, the golf clubs and ourselves. This is the first one that hasn’t been resolved.”

He added: “We do see it as an important case not just in terms of golf clubs but I think in terms of the wider experience of gender equality in society.

“I think the situation of excluding women members from a golf club has implications for that matter.”

Although women are allowed to play golf at Portmarnock, they are not allowed to become members.

The Equality Authority will ask the District Court to declare the club in breach of the Equal Status Act, which outlaws discrimination in the provision of goods and services.

This section of the Act has not been contested in the courts before.

If the club is found guilty it could lose its licence to sell alcohol for 30 days; if it continued to discriminate its licence would be withheld indefinitely.

Portmarnock Golf Club said it had been advised that it was not contravening the Equal Status Act.