Feminists Challenge Good-old-boys Network (Press, 17 August 1981)

At the Bohemian Grove in Monte Rio, California, an exclusive gathering of 2,500 elite figures from American politics and business is marked by a peculiar tradition known as the "Cremation of Care." This ceremony features a wooden skeleton symbolising worldly concerns being set ablaze by priests dressed in scarlet robes, accompanied by the lively tune “We’ll Have a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight.” The ritual is intended to allow attendees to temporarily escape the pressures of the outside world, as articulated by member William F. Buckley. This year, however, the event has been overshadowed by controversy as the Bohemian Club faces criticism over its all-male membership policy. Feminist groups are actively demanding entry into the historically male-only enclave, challenging the club’s exclusion of women even in service roles. Additionally, a legal dispute is brewing as the state of California sues the club for sex discrimination. Further complicating matters, allegations have surfaced regarding sexual escapades involving members and paid escorts, as well as accusations of homosexuality within the gathering, leading nuclear protestors to target the event. The Bohemian Club, founded in 1872, is known for its secrecy and the influential individuals who comprise its membership, including high-profile figures like Ronald Reagan, former Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, and various senior politicians and business leaders. This accumulation of power has drawn particular scrutiny given Reagan's strong association with the club, raising questions about the implications of such memberships for those in positions of authority, especially regarding issues of discrimination. Despite mounting pressure, the club maintains its practices, with members defending the exclusion of women by citing a need for an uninhibited environment. A former California governor suggested that women would disrupt the group's camaraderie and expressed concerns over privacy issues in a setting where nudity and relaxed behaviour occur. Lavish entertainments, including elaborate theatre productions where men dress as women, are features of the gathering, further highlighting the club's prioritisation of leisure over inclusivity. Among the club’s activities, significant decisions that influence national policies are made while affluence and power dictate social dynamics within the tents named for whimsical themes. Even as they engage in discussions impacting the country's future, members indulge in extravagant dining experiences, consuming vast quantities of food and drink. The state's efforts to challenge the club’s membership policy suggest a shifting landscape in societal expectations around discrimination, aiming to ensure that even wealthy organisations adhere to civil rights laws. Despite some club members expressing disbelief that respected women would wish to participate in the club's revelry, critics argue that substantial business dealings occur in such exclusive settings, marginalising women and minorities in the process. The ongoing legal battle may result in limited changes, possibly only extending to the hiring of women as staff, rather than affecting the entrenched membership rules.

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