Equal Access - Augusta National
Legislation | Documents/Reports | Press Releases
In August of 2012, I praised the Augusta National Golf Club's decision to admit former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and businesswoman Darla Moore as members of the exclusive club that plays host to Masters tournament.
I first became involved in the fight to end discrimination at this club in 2003 when Dr. Martha Burk, then-President of the National Council of Women’s Organizations, wrote to the head of Augusta National, urging him to open up the club to women for membership. The issue took on a life of its own when the club refused to change its policy. Since business takes place in these types of golf clubs, women should have equal access.
In Congress, I have introduced legislation that eliminates business tax deductions for expenses associated with private clubs that discriminate against women. The bill eliminates the current business tax deductions that are allowed for advertising, travel, accommodation and meal expenses to and from these clubs and for events associated with these clubs. Discriminatory clubs will be required to clearly print on their receipts that expenditures at that club are not tax deductible. Over the years, untold amounts of money have been spent and legitimately expensed as business tax deductions from Federal income taxes. The legislation puts an end to that. When clubs are places where business relationships are fostered, deals are made, but women are excluded, the time has come to end tax breaks for supporting discrimination against women.
Legislation:
03/29/07 - H.R.1817, Ending Tax Breaks for Discrimination Act of 2007
04/06/05 - H.R.1521, Ending Tax Breaks For Discrimination Act of 2005
06/11/03 - H.R.2418, Ending Tax Breaks For Discrimination Act of 2003 [108th Congress]
03/31/03 - H.CON.RES.130, Fair Play-Equal Access in Membership Resolution [108th Congress]
Documents/Reports:
10/12/03 - Revenue effects of the Ending Tax Breaks Discrimination Act of 2003
More on Equal Access - Augusta National
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) today praised Augusta National Golf Club’s invitation to former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina businesswoman Darla Moore to become the first female members when the club opens for a new season in October 2012.
Washington, D.C. – Today, as America marks “Equal Pay Day” Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) re-introduced her “Ending Tax Breaks for Discrimination Act of 2012” legislation that would end tax breaks for doing business at clubs that discriminate, such as Augusta National Golf Club, home to golf’s celebrated Masters.
with “No Women Allowed” Policy Still in Place at Augusta National Golf Club*
Washington, D.C. - As the sports world gears up for this week’s Masters Tournament, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-14) has reintroduced the Ending Tax Breaks for Discrimination Act of 2007 (H.R. 1817), which prohibits income tax deductions for expenses at clubs with "no women allowed" membership policies. Augusta National Golf Club, the host of the Masters Tournament since its inception in 1934, does not allow female members.
WASHINGTON, DC - A bill introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY-14) and Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-27) would eliminate tax write-offs for corporations that use the 24 all-male golf clubs in the United States clubs for business purposes. Martha Burk, Chair of the National Council of Women's Organizations and critic of Augusta National Golf Club for its discriminatory policies, has worked closely with Reps. Maloney and Sherman, and she joined them today to announce the bill's introduction.
Washington, DC< - Today, joined with Dr. Martha Burk, Chair of the National Council of Women's Organizations, and Jane Smith, CEO of Business and Professional Women, Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) announced the introduction of a Resolution titled "Fair Play: Equal Access in Club Membership."