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Female snooker ban a cue to controversy
7/ 3/2007
A CONSERVATIVE club in Great Moor has voted to ban women from playing snooker - in case they damage the table or put players off their frame.
Following an invitation to relax a 68-year policy, members of the Shore Street club ruled out any chance to bring equality of the sexes into the games room, by barring females from picking up a cue.
The vote, which approved an already existing policy, means women will still be allowed to go into the club's snooker room but only as spectators.
Leader of Stockport's Conservative party, Les Jones, would not give his personal opinion on the matter but said he respected the club's right to maintain the policy.
"Great Moor Conservative Club is a private members club and this is a matter that should be left to the club itself. Decisions are taken by the club's members and it is not for me to interfere in the running of a private organisation, whatever my own personal opinion on this matter may be," said Coun Jones.
One member claimed it was generally considered that women playing snooker is 'undignified' and could distract the men in the bar.
But although the 68-year-old private members' club is legally entitled to have a men-only policy in the snooker room, the ruling has been slammed as 'prehistoric' by critics.
Stockport snooker player Peter Hunt, who is a member of Manchester Snooker League, said: "Personally, I don't agree with it. This is an old legacy and, bit by bit, it is being overcome. In this day and age, there should be no problem with women playing at the table. This particular club is not part of our league. We don't discriminate against anyone. In fact, one of our best players is female. She is at the top of her game and is very well thought of."
A club insider said the male-dominated association did not allow women to become committee members, sign-in guests or support an application for a new member.
The insider, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "Women have only recently been allowed into the snooker room but only to watch and not play. There is some fear that women may play in short skirts and this would be undignified - or is it a fear that women are better players?"
"The club is living in the past and discrimination and oppressive behaviour should not be allowed to continue."
Club secretary Roy Wooding confirmed the policy but said he could not comment before he had spoken to the club committee.
It is believed the club voted in 2005 to allow women into the snooker room for the first time but they were not permitted to play. A recent vote upheld the policy.
Click on the link below to see Channel M's video report ...
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24/04/2007 at 08:15
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