Entry to private clubs: Who decides?

DNA asks society folk, after Laxmi, a transgender, was recently evicted from a club

Shobhaa De,
columnist/novelist, club member, Bombay Gymkhana

The whole issue of transgenders as a separate category is comparatively new for our society. I cannot comment on the legality of this particular incident. But common sense tells me, the club is on strong legal grounds here.

Until and unless the club rules are officially changed to recognise the rights of transgenders, the question of entry remains discretionary, as is stated prominently in all clubs, building societies and even hotels.

You cannot force clubs to bend rules on an arbitrary, ad hoc basis. Push for change by all means, but do so on a constitutional basis through discussion, not intimidation. Right now, we are in a gray area.

Sangeeta Hemchand,
snooker player, member, Willingdon Gymkhana

In Willingdon Gymkhana we haven’t had a case like this so far, although the club does have a very strict dress policy. You can restrict a person on the basis of his/her behaviour or dress, as these are part of the gym policy and one must follow rules.

Haseena Jethmalani,
fashion designer, club member, Bombay Gymkhana
If hotels allow it, why should clubs evict people on the basis of their sexuality? In today’s day and age not only is it ridiculous to do so, but it is also insulting to the person. You can stop people if they are drunk and if they might cause damage to the property, not otherwise.

Yasin Merchant,
snooker player, member of 10 gyms
I don’t believe in entry based on gender. Any evacuation of a person based on this is wrong as it violates the basic right of the person. My only bone of contention would be if the person has a criminal record or is a threat.

Micky Makhija,
member, Otters Club
It’s not anybody’s business what a person’s gender is. If someone did this to me, I’d feel my rights were infringed. If a person is following membership rules, it has nothing to do with the management. It also has nothing to do with being invited to the UN. I don’t think the CEO of any club can just walk into a party and throw a person out. The right thing to do is to write a letter the next day and follow up on that.

Michael Ferreira,
billiards player, member of 22 clubs
What has happened is really unfortunate. I am member of 22 clubs and this is the first time I have come across a case like this. I think a person’s sexuality is his own private affair. Excluding someone in the basis of his or her gender is inappropriate.

Sameer Date,
architect, ex-committee member,Otters Club
A club is a private property and does have the right to restrict people. If it is done on the basis of gender, it is wrong, unless there is a case of indiscipline. If a person is a guest of the host it is highly inappropriate to ask him or her to be evicted. I also have to say that most institutions have vague by-laws that leave a lot to be desired.