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| − | =Le Droit Human= | + | [[File:Maria Deraismes portrait by Etienne Carjat 1884.png|thumb|right|260px|alt=Black-and-white portrait of Maria Deraismes.|Maria Deraismes, photographed by Étienne Carjat in 1884.]] |
| | + | '''Le Droit Humain''' is an international Masonic order admitting women and men on equal terms. Its origins lie in a mixed lodge established in Paris in 1893 by Maria Deraismes, Georges Martin and their colleagues. The British Federation uses the name ''International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women – Le Droit Humain''.<ref name="international">Le Droit Humain, [https://ledroithumain.international/histoire-du-droit-humain/ Histoire du Droit Humain] (in French). Accessed 24 September 2026.</ref><ref name="british">Le Droit Humain, British Federation, [https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/about About us]. Accessed 24 September 2026.</ref> |
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| − | "Le Droit Humain" is a co-masonic organization that admits both men and women as members. The organization is also known as "The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain".
| + | ==Origins in France== |
| | + | Deraismes, a writer and campaigner for women's rights, became a Freemason at Les Libres Penseurs lodge in Le Pecq on 14 January 1882. Admission of women remained disputed, and her membership did not establish a generally accepted right of entry into existing Masonic bodies. On 4 April 1893, Deraismes and Martin helped found the new mixed lodge in Paris.<ref name="international" /> |
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| − | Le Droit Humain was founded in France in 1893 by Georges Martin and Maria Deraismes, with the aim of promoting gender equality and universal human fraternity within the Masonic tradition. The organization has lodges and members in various countries around the world, and its members follow the same Masonic traditions and practices as other Masonic organizations, such as the use of rituals, symbols, and degrees.
| + | After Deraismes's death in 1894, Martin and the other founders continued its development. The French Federation's history dates the international reorganisation to 1901. A convention in Paris in 1920 brought representatives from different countries together to establish an international constitution.<ref name="french">Le Droit Humain, French Federation, [https://www.droithumain-france.org/le-droit-humain-une-ecole-initiatique/notre-histoire Notre histoire] (in French), especially the sections on the first mixed lodge and international development. Accessed 24 September 2026.</ref> |
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| − | One of the distinctive features of Le Droit Humain is its emphasis on gender equality, which is reflected in its admission of both men and women as members and its focus on promoting human rights and social justice. The organization also welcomes people of all races, religions, and nationalities, and advocates for the principles of freedom, equality, and fraternity.
| + | ==Annie Besant and Britain== |
| | + | Annie Besant joined the order in Paris in 1902. She became the first presiding officer of Human Duty Lodge No. 6, inaugurated in London on 26 September that year. Francesca Arundale helped connect Besant with the French organisation. Besant's work in [[The Theosophical Society]] formed part of her wider public career; her Masonic activity helped establish lodges in Britain and elsewhere in the British Empire.<ref name="british" /><ref name="french" /> |
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| − | Over time there have been divisions and there are now several orders operating as Le Droit Human, some with variations in the name.
| + | ==Organisation and principles== |
| | + | The order has an international Supreme Council in Paris and national federations operating within its constitution. Its degree system extends from Craft Freemasonry through the 33rd degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. The British Federation describes freedom of interpretation, tolerance and equal admission of women and men as principles of its work, without requiring adherence to a particular religious creed.<ref name="british" /> |
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| − | ==Annie Besant==
| + | Mixed membership distinguishes Le Droit Humain from the British women's Grand Lodges described in [[Women and Freemasonry]]. Their histories intersect: the organisation later known as the Order of Women Freemasons began when members left Co-Masonry in 1908, initially forming another mixed body before restricting admission to women.<ref>The Order of Women Freemasons, [https://www.owf.org.uk/about-us/our-history/ Our History]. Accessed 24 September 2026.</ref> |
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| − | Annie Besant was a prominent British feminist, social reformer, and Theosophist who played a significant role in the development of Le Droit Humain. Besant was initiated into the Theosophical Society in 1889 and quickly rose to a leadership position within the organization. She was a vocal advocate for women's rights, social justice, and religious freedom.
| + | ==See also== |
| | + | * [[Women and Freemasonry]] |
| | + | * [[History of the Scottish Rite]] |
| | + | * [[The Theosophical Society]] |
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| − | In 1902, Besant became interested in the work of the French Masonic organization, Le Droit Humain, which admitted women as members. She was impressed by the organization's commitment to gender equality and universal human fraternity, and she became convinced that co-masonry was the way forward for Freemasonry.
| + | ==References== |
| | + | <references /> |
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| − | Besant worked tirelessly to establish Le Droit Humain in England and other countries, and she was instrumental in the growth and development of the organization. In 1904, Besant became the head of the English branch of Le Droit Humain, and in 1907 she was elected as the international president of the organization, a position she held until her death in 1933.
| + | {{Topic navigation}} |
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| − | Under Besant's leadership, Le Droit Humain continued to expand and grow, and it became one of the largest and most influential co-masonic organizations in the world. Today, Le Droit Humain has lodges and members in over 60 countries, and it continues to promote the principles of gender equality, human rights, and social justice.
| + | [[Category:Knights Templar and Other Masonic Orders]] |
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| − | ==C.W. Leadbeater==
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| − | C.W. Leadbeater was a prominent Theosophist who was also closely associated with the development of Le Droit Humain. Leadbeater was a former Anglican clergyman who became interested in Theosophy in the late 19th century, and he became a close associate of Annie Besant.
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| − | Leadbeater was a prolific writer and lecturer, and he played a significant role in the development of Theosophical thought and practice. He was also an important figure in the establishment of co-masonry in England and other countries.
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| − | In 1902, Leadbeater joined Le Droit Humain and became an active member of the organization. He was a key figure in the establishment of the English branch of Le Droit Humain, and he played an important role in the development of the organization's ritual and degree system.
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| − | One of Leadbeater's most significant contributions to co-masonry was his development of the concept of "the spiritual hierarchy", which he believed was a group of highly evolved beings who guided the evolution of humanity. This concept was incorporated into the degree system of Le Droit Humain, and it became an important aspect of the organization's philosophy and teachings.
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| − | However, there have been allegations made against C.W. Leadbeater suggesting that he engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with young boys during his time as a member of the Theosophical Society. These allegations have been the subject of much controversy and debate, and opinions on the matter are divided.
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| − | Leadbeater himself denied any wrongdoing, and some of his supporters have dismissed the allegations as unfounded or exaggerated. However, others have pointed to evidence suggesting that Leadbeater's behavior was inappropriate, including witness testimony and contemporary accounts.
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| − | It is important to note that the allegations against Leadbeater have not been proven in a court of law, and there is no definitive evidence one way or the other. However, the allegations have had a significant impact on the reputation of both Leadbeater and the Theosophical Society, and they continue to be a subject of controversy and discussion within the Theosophical and co-masonic communities.
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| − | ==Other Leading Influences==
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| − | Le Droit Humain has had many important members throughout its history, including several prominent figures in the fields of politics, literature, and the arts. Some of the most notable individuals associated with Le Droit Humain include:
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| − | *'''Annie Besant''' - As mentioned earlier, Annie Besant was a prominent Theosophist and feminist who played a key role in the establishment of Le Droit Humain in England and other countries.
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| − | *'''Georges Martin''' - Georges Martin was a French socialist and co-founder of Le Droit Humain. He was instrumental in the development of the organization's philosophy and its early growth in France.
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| − | *'''Maria Deraismes''' - Maria Deraismes was a French feminist and co-founder of Le Droit Humain. She was also the first woman to be initiated into Freemasonry in France, and she played a key role in the development of co-masonry in Europe.
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| − | *'''George Sand''' - George Sand was a prominent French writer and feminist who was also a member of Le Droit Humain. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice.
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| − | *'''Helene Brion''' - Helene Brion was a French poet and writer who was also a member of Le Droit Humain. She was a leading figure in the organization's efforts to promote women's education and equality.
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| − | *'''Elisabeth Dmitrieff''' - Elisabeth Dmitrieff was a Russian revolutionary who was also a member of Le Droit Humain. She played a key role in the development of the organization's philosophy and activities in France.
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| − | These are just a few examples of the many important individuals who have been associated with Le Droit Humain throughout its history. The organization has had a significant impact on the development of co-masonry and the promotion of gender equality within the Masonic tradition.
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| − | ==LDH Anecdotes==
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| − | There are many interesting stories and anecdotes associated with Le Droit Humain and its members. Here are a few examples:
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| − | *'''Annie Besant's Initiation''' - When Annie Besant was initiated into the Theosophical Society in 1889, she was accompanied by C.W. Leadbeater, who served as her sponsor. Leadbeater was a controversial figure, and his involvement in Besant's initiation was seen as a sign of her growing commitment to theosophy and spiritualism.
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| − | *'''Maria Deraismes' Initiation''' - When Maria Deraismes was initiated into Freemasonry in 1882, she was the only woman present at the ceremony. This caused a great deal of controversy at the time, and Deraismes faced a great deal of opposition and criticism for her decision to join the male-dominated organization.
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| − | *'''Georges Martin's Arrest''' - In 1903, Georges Martin was arrested and charged with "conspiracy against the state" for his involvement in socialist and Masonic activities. Martin was eventually released, but the incident highlighted the challenges faced by early co-masonic organizations in France and other countries.
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| − | *'''Le Droit Humain in Nazi Germany''' - During the Nazi regime in Germany, Le Droit Humain was banned and its members were persecuted. However, some members of the organization continued to meet in secret and provide support to each other during this difficult period.
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| − | *'''Helene Brion's Poetry''' - Helene Brion was a well-known poet and writer who used her work to promote the values of Le Droit Humain and the feminist movement. Her poems and essays continue to be studied and celebrated by scholars and activists today.
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Maria Deraismes, photographed by Étienne Carjat in 1884.
Le Droit Humain is an international Masonic order admitting women and men on equal terms. Its origins lie in a mixed lodge established in Paris in 1893 by Maria Deraismes, Georges Martin and their colleagues. The British Federation uses the name International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women – Le Droit Humain.[1][2]
Origins in France
Deraismes, a writer and campaigner for women's rights, became a Freemason at Les Libres Penseurs lodge in Le Pecq on 14 January 1882. Admission of women remained disputed, and her membership did not establish a generally accepted right of entry into existing Masonic bodies. On 4 April 1893, Deraismes and Martin helped found the new mixed lodge in Paris.[1]
After Deraismes's death in 1894, Martin and the other founders continued its development. The French Federation's history dates the international reorganisation to 1901. A convention in Paris in 1920 brought representatives from different countries together to establish an international constitution.[3]
Annie Besant and Britain
Annie Besant joined the order in Paris in 1902. She became the first presiding officer of Human Duty Lodge No. 6, inaugurated in London on 26 September that year. Francesca Arundale helped connect Besant with the French organisation. Besant's work in The Theosophical Society formed part of her wider public career; her Masonic activity helped establish lodges in Britain and elsewhere in the British Empire.[2][3]
Organisation and principles
The order has an international Supreme Council in Paris and national federations operating within its constitution. Its degree system extends from Craft Freemasonry through the 33rd degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. The British Federation describes freedom of interpretation, tolerance and equal admission of women and men as principles of its work, without requiring adherence to a particular religious creed.[2]
Mixed membership distinguishes Le Droit Humain from the British women's Grand Lodges described in Women and Freemasonry. Their histories intersect: the organisation later known as the Order of Women Freemasons began when members left Co-Masonry in 1908, initially forming another mixed body before restricting admission to women.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Le Droit Humain, Histoire du Droit Humain (in French). Accessed 24 September 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Le Droit Humain, British Federation, About us. Accessed 24 September 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Le Droit Humain, French Federation, Notre histoire (in French), especially the sections on the first mixed lodge and international development. Accessed 24 September 2026.
- ↑ The Order of Women Freemasons, Our History. Accessed 24 September 2026.
