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