In change, River Forest Tennis Club welcomes gay married couples as family members

Tuesday, February 18th, 2014 10:00 PM

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

By Deb Kadin

Contributing Reporter

A remaining vestige of exclusion at a storied community institution fell last week when members of the River Forest Tennis Club elected to let same-sex married couples apply for a family membership.

During a special meeting, more than 250 active members voted to change the bylaws of the 110-year-old institution, according to a statement issued last week by the club's leadership.

Gays and lesbians already are allowed to join as individuals. But allowing families required another by-laws change. This one came about as a result of informal discussion among its members and at the board level.

A member survey conducted in January overwhelmingly endorsed the bylaw change, Leslie Ann Tuzi, the club's president said in a statement. The River Forest Tennis Club is located at 615 Lathrop Ave.

"I am proud of the positive progress the River Forest Tennis Club has made regarding this change. Our members have demonstrated a spirit of camaraderie, compassion and inclusivity that is in keeping with our traditions and our culture."

A private institution, the River Forest Tennis Club is exempt from provisions of a state law guaranteeing the right of gays and lesbians to wed. That law goes into effect June 1.

CONTACT: Deb@oakpark.com

Reader Comments

14 Comments - Add Your Comment

Comment Policy

Speedway from Oak Park, Illinois

Posted: February 23rd, 2014 5:53 PM

Violet dear if you read the article again it is about family membership. If one's proclaimed family is of the same sex, just a quick look could conceivably answer the question without the need for a detailed sexual history.

Violet Aura from Gay-Friendly RF

Posted: February 23rd, 2014 2:24 PM

So how does this swanky club determine what sort of sexual practices each potential member likes to engage in? Do they give a little questionaire or something?

Grey Poupon from warsaw

Posted: February 23rd, 2014 1:24 PM

First the Catholics, now the Gays????What's next RFTC Members? Will the Club change the "all white" tennis rule to Lavender? How will we know if they are among us? Can we make them use beepers or buzzer when entering the locker rooms? Will the Indigo Girls be played at all Saturday dinners? Will a women's mandatory softball practice breakout during Wednesday night grill outs? The horror...the horror...

Violet Aura

Posted: February 22nd, 2014 4:54 PM

@Roosevelt Neighbor: Oh puleeze. Get a sense of humor. I am Irish. It was a reference to real-life signs that existed in a former era. See, there was enough discrimination to go around!

django from White-Oaks Park

Posted: February 22nd, 2014 4:27 PM

are blacks allowed

Posted: February 21st, 2014 5:06 PM

RF is just responding to a changing world where exclusion and hautiness are out and inclusion and acceptance in (think 60's). This would stop the social climbers of OP/RF from telling the world the are members ...

OP Transplant

Posted: February 21st, 2014 2:51 PM

To Roosevelt Neighbor - A little harsh. I thought it was funny.

Gary Sullivan from River Forest

Posted: February 21st, 2014 2:22 PM

In response to Carrie On: Yes it is true that the RF Swimming club seems to be very watchful when it comes to the Irish. For me to get in I had to drop the O from my last name. I did hear that the RF Tennis Club is more prone to allowing those with O in their last name to play lawn tennis and bocce ball provided they wear white attire.

Roosevelt Neighbor

Posted: February 20th, 2014 10:23 PM

Simply Violet's attempt to be funny. As with most topics she weighs in on, her ignorance is once again on display.

Carrie On

Posted: February 20th, 2014 6:43 PM

Is it true that those of Irish heritage are not welcome at this club? Please give more info as I am newer to the area.

President Benjamin Franklin from West Austin

Posted: February 20th, 2014 3:18 PM

On an unrelated note, was the picture of Abraham Lincoln mopping on the front page taken before or after the Concordia public safety director had his "incident"?

matt

Posted: February 20th, 2014 3:09 PM

Violet be more specific are you saying they discriminate. If so against who and examples. If your going to throw around accusations please have the facts to back them up.

Violet Aura

Posted: February 19th, 2014 6:45 PM

I am Irish and waiting for my people and dogs to be admitted to this swanky club...

Oldin Days

Posted: February 18th, 2014 10:16 PM

Next will be Catholics.

Find a garage sale near you!