From yesterday’s Irish Times:

“The rules of Portmarnock Golf Club do not state it excludes women but rather say that membership is limited to men, counsel for the club has argued before the Supreme Court.

That is not discrimination within the meaning of the Equal Status Act 2000, and there must be an equal right to associate with persons of one’s choice, Donal O’Donnell SC submitted.”

The Justices reserved judgment on the ‘preliminary issues’ in the case.

The stakes are high. Section 8 of the aforementioned Act provides for the suspension of the registration of a discriminating club, which means that it could not get a licence to sell alcoholic beverages.

Flann O’Brien, where are you when we need you?