“This case was about whether the State allows a privilege – the selling of alcohol – to a Registered Club which limits its membership to one gender. Since this case was initiated in 2003, the Equality Authority has worked with many clubs and individuals to achieve equal rights.”

“The Equality Authority welcomes this decision and is pleased that we now have a definitive interpretation of this particular provision of the Equal Status Act dealing with discriminatory Clubs”.

“While the Supreme Court judgement is not as we would have wished, it is a matter for the Oireachtas to consider whether it should amend the Equal Status Act now that the Supreme Court has clarified how this Act be interpreted”.

ENDS