Private Clubs

As the author of recently enacted state legislation eliminating tax breaks for patrons of discriminatory private clubs, I read with interest the opinion piece “Men’s Clubs Shouldn’t Have to be Hammered Into Opening Their Doors for All,” by Lee G. Paul (Op-Ed Page, March 8).

The author of the piece states that controversy over membership in private clubs arises because “some female professionals and some activists have persuaded City Hall that there are business and professional opportunities lost if women are excluded from membership in certain men’s clubs” and implies that a loss of business opportunities does not result from denying women access to these clubs.

On the contrary, why would any employer of club members or members themselves seek to take tax deductions for private club membership and activities if they were not business-related and economically beneficial?

If members were not taking deductions for business activities, there would have been no need for my legislation, and no opposition to it. Strangely enough, however, my private club legislation was strongly opposed by club members who demonstrated the monetary value of the clubs by their very opposition. My bill does not require clubs to admit women and minorities. It does, however, remove the burden of subsidizing discrimination from those who are discriminated against.

GWEN MOORE

49th Assembly District

D-Los Angeles