RI Female Leaders Criticize Westerly Yacht Club's Males-Only Membership Policy
Kate Nagle, GoLocal News Editor
RI Female Leaders Criticize Westerly Yacht Club's Males-Only Membership Policy
"Secretary Gorbea was surprised to learn that there was an organization in our state, in this day and age, that would still bar women from joining as full members," said Nicole Lagace, Communications Director for Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea.
In 2012, President Barack Obama had publicly questioned Augusta National's single-sex policy before the Georgia golf club changed course -- after 80 years -- to admit women.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTNeither Governor Gina Raimondo nor Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed responded to request for comment on Westerly's continued policy on Monday.
Women on the Record
Former State Representative Joanne Giannini -- who has indicated she is thinking about another run this year -- weighed in on Monday.
"I do believe women should be allowed to be members of the Westerly Yacht club. I cannot believe in this day and age, that certain members would be against women joining their membership," said Giannini. "If woman are allowed to socialize and bring family members there, then why are they restricted from membership? I know that I was the third woman asked to join the 'Italo American Club' on Broadway in Providence, which had been previously all male until 1998. The earth, the moon and the stars did not change the club because I and other women joined."
Former Secretary of State candidate Sue Stenhouse, who served as a community liaison for former Governor Donald Carcieri as well as the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, questioned the club's use of state resources while maintaining the discriminatory policy.
"Obviously, private membership organizations have the right to run their clubs as they see fit, but in 2016, I find the vote to exclude women from membership troubling and archaic," said Stenhouse. "Especially, when I understand that the Westerly Yacht Club depends on women to execute and lead some of the club's essential functions."
"With my government hat on, I wonder if the Yacht Club is provided with any tax based services (dredging through Army Corps of Engineers or DEM Services or Coastal Resources, Public Works) that should be reviewed based on this omission? With coastal property so regulated and at a premium, it is not an option for women to start their own yacht club and as a result, ideally should have same access to membership privileges," said Stenhouse.
Meanwhile, the founder of a women's group in Providence said that she supports women being able to stand on equal footing as men at the club.
"We started The Lady Project because there are too many places where women are not welcome, are not respected, are not supported, and this is a prime example of that discrimination taking place here in our small state," said Sierra Barter, one of the co-founders of The Lady Project -- which started in Providence, and has expanded to 15 cities across the country.
"In 2016, there is no valid reason for women to be discriminated against at a yacht club or other social gathering place," said Barter. "It is our hope that organizations like the Lady Project will someday become unnecessary when this type of discrimination ends."
Editor's note: A previous version incorrectly had Stenhouse working for Governor Chafee; she worked for Governor Carcieri.
2016 YWCA Women of Achievement Honorees
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PHOTO: Law.rwu.edu
Melba Depeña Affigne
Melba Depeña Affigne has served as director for Department of Human Services since January 2015. Depeña Affigne brings extensive experience working with diverse populations in the State. Prior, she served as director of Crime Victims Compensation Unit in Office of General Treasurer, executive director of Providence Human Relations Commission and executive director of Rhode Island Democratic Party. Depeña Affigne is a graduate of University of Rhode Island where she earned Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Masters in Human Development and Family Studies.
She has served on board of directors of organizations such as Girl Scouts of Rhode Island, The Latino Civic Fund and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Corporation Board, among others.
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