Le Droit Humain

{{Short description|Global Masonic organisation}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}} {{primary sources|date=May 2025}} {{Freemasonry}} thumb|300x300px|Headquarters of Le Droit Humain, the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women right|thumb The '''International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, LE DROIT HUMAIN''' is a global Masonic order, membership of which is available to men and women on equal terms, regardless of nationality, religion or ethnicity. This practice is known as Co-Freemasonry.

== History == {{more citations needed section|date=May 2025}} Its headquarters is in Paris, France, where it was founded in 1893 by Georges Martin and Maria Deraismes.

The Order is founded on the ancient teachings and traditions of Freemasonry, using Masonic ritual and symbolism as its tools in the search for truth. On the individual level, the Order aims "to promote the progress of individual worth, without the imposition of dogma, or exacting the abandonment of cultural or religious ideas". On a collective level it works "to unite men and women who agree on a humanist spirituality whilst respecting individual and cultural differences".

In contrast with other Masonic organisations which operate in national or state jurisdiction only, ''Le Droit Humain'' is a global fraternity with many Federations and Jurisdictions worldwide, each of which work the Scottish Rite from the 1st to the 33rd degree. The Order is administered by the Supreme Council, which has its headquarters in Paris. Within the International Constitution, however, member Federations have the freedom of self-governance.

''Le Droit Humain'' has about 34,000 members in more than 70 countries around the world and on all inhabited continents.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ledroithumain.international/organization/?lang=en |newspaper=Ordre Maçonnique Mixte International le Droit Humain |access-date=14 June 2021 |title=Organization | Ordre Maçonnique Mixte International Le Droit Humain |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614165852/https://ledroithumain.international/organization/?lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Belgium == The '''Belgian Federation of Le Droit Humain''' (French: la Fédération Belge du Droit Humain; Dutch: Belgische Federatie van Le Droit Humain) is a Belgian cupola of masonic lodges which is accessible for men and women, and works in the 33 symbolic degrees of freemasonry. The first Belgian Lodge of Le Droit Humain was founded in 1912.<ref>Ed. Droit Humain, ''Histoire de la fédération belge du Droit Humain'', 2 Vol., Bruxelles, 1982–1984</ref><ref>Peter Bormans (ed.), ''Vrijmetselarij'', VUB 1974</ref>

== Great Britain == What became the British Federation began on 26 September 1902 with the consecration of Lodge Human Duty No. 6 in London. The establishment of this lodge was what formalised the Order as international.<ref name=":0"/>

=== History === ==== Founding ==== thumb|The founders of Lodge Human Duty no. 6. Annie Besant is fourth from left on the front row The three most commonly referenced figures in the history of the British Federation are Annie Besant, Maria Deraismes and Georges Martin.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=History of LE DROIT HUMAIN |url=https://ledroithumain.international/le-droit-humain-history/?lang=en |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=Le Droit Humain International |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115153644/https://ledroithumain.international/le-droit-humain-history/?lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=About us |url=https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/about |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain - British Federation |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203191200/https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/about |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1= Rees | last2 = Lorente-Bull |first1= Julian | first2 = Darren |title=More Light, Today's Freemasonry for Men and Women |publisher=Bibliotheca Alexandrina |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-7396519-0-9 |edition=3rd |location=Lydney | ref = RLB23 | pages=101–11}}</ref> Deraismes and Martin co-founded what would become Le Droit Humain on 4 April 1893.<ref name=":0" /> In 1902, Besant was initiated in Paris and, along with others, found Lodge Human Duty No. 6. At this time the British Federation was known as The Order of Universal Co-Freemasonry in Great Britain and the British Dependencies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Freemasonry and Women's Rights part one |url=https://www.thesquaremagazine.com/mag/article/202107freemasonry-and-womens-rights/ |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=The Square Magazine}}</ref> Today this lodge does not meet regularly, and is instead used as the recorded lodge for members no longer able to attend their own, due age, illness or similar, but still wish to be members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Human Duty Lodge |url=https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/human-duty-lodge |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain - British Federation |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207060240/https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/human-duty-lodge |url-status=live }}</ref>

Besant was installed as the first Right Worshipful Master of the lodge and in her address stated "If it is true to say that it was the English who brought Freemasonry to France, then it is the French who, today, bring it back regenerated to England, completed and strengthened by the admission of women into the Lodge at the side of men. I salute this beautiful day which affirms after almost two centuries, and even more strongly, the pressing need for human fraternity."<ref name=":22">Rees and Lorente-Bull 2023, pp. 110–111.</ref>

==== Early years ==== Development of the Federation was slow, as the founders were very new to Freemasonry. According to Scottish tradition, often used by the Federation such as in their use of 'Right Worshipful Master' rather than the English 'Worshipful Master', the original regalia was green and can be found displayed at the current headquarters of the federation. However, this was altered to be in line with the Order's official colours of ruby and sapphire in 1912.

The initial ritual used was a translation of the French one that initiated the founders. Soon though, copies of the standard ritual used in Scotland were being used, and heavily edited by hand as an original ritual began to take shape. The first iteration of this ritual would be the Dharma Ritual around 1904, combining French and Scottish traditions with Besant's spiritual and Theosophical influences, including her specially written Mystic Charges.<ref>Rees and Lorente-Bull 2023, p. 112.</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Rituals |url=https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/rituals |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain - British Federation}}</ref> This ritual finally evolved into the Lauderdale Ritual as used in the majority of the Federation's craft lodges today, alongside several others.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Craft Lodges |url=https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/craft-lodges |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain - British Federation |archive-date=18 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118141511/https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/craft-lodges |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Location ==== The first lodge, Human Duty no. 6, was initially held at 24 Albemarle Street, London.<ref name=":22"/> However, by 1936 the headquarters was transferred to 10 Ladbroke Terrace, also in London, to reflect the increasing size of the Federation and necessity of a larger space.<ref>Rees and Lorente-Bull 2023, p. 113.</ref> Finally, in 1992, the Federation headquarters moved to its current address at Hexagon House, 37-39 Surbiton Hill Road, Surrey.<ref>Rees and Lorente-Bull 2023, p. 114.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Contact Us |url=https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/contact |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain - British Federation |archive-date=18 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118132839/https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/contact |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Splinter organisations ==== In its history, the British Federation has seen numerous groups split off and form their own Orders due to fundamental disagreements with the leadership of the Federation and the wider Order. The first of these was the Honorable Fraternity of Antient Masonry formed on 20 June 1908, now known as the Order of Women Freemasons. This was formed due to concerns that LE DROIT HUMAIN's Paris headquarters was exerting excessive influence and trying to make the British Federation more in line with the French Federation. Initially made up of men and women, by the 1920s only women could apply for membership.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.owf.org.uk/about-us/our-history/ |access-date=28 January 2025 |website=The Order of Women Freemasons}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Our history |url=https://hfaf.org/about-us/our-history/ |access-date=28 January 2025 |website=The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons |archive-date=23 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123112356/https://hfaf.org/about-us/our-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

However, this Order began to see its own disputes over use of the Royal Arch side degree, which came to a head in 1913 with the formation of The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons. From the outset this has been a female only Order.<ref name=":4" />

In 1925 Aimee Bothwell Gosse found split away from the British Federation to found the Order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry for Men and Women, citing excessive Theosophical influence over the Federation under Annie Besant, who by this point was President of the Theosophical Society.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Aimée Bothwell-Gosse (1866-1954) |url=https://comasonry.3-5-7.nl/aimee-bothwell-gosse-1866-1954/ |website=Co-Masonry}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Besant |first=Annie |date=2 June 1913 |title="Naranian v. Besant". [Letters to the Editor] |work=The Times |location=London |page=7}}</ref> Bothwell Gosse had been a member of the Theosophical Society but left in 1924. There remain no traces of her Order today and no official date for its dissolution can be found.<ref name=":2" />

November 1997 saw the creation of the Order of the Blazing Star, renamed The Co-Freemasonic Order of the Blazing Star in May 2007. This was based on a perceived decrease in the British Federation's emphasis on spirituality, with this new order choosing to re-emphasise this aspect of esoteric and 'inner working' Freemasonry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=http://www.cfobs.org.uk/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831092156/http://www.cfobs.org.uk/history.html |archive-date=31 August 2012 |access-date=28 January 2025 |website=The Co-Freemasonic Order of The Blazing Star}}</ref>

Similar concerns of overreach from Paris and an increasing secularisation of Freemasonry also led to the establishment of The Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for Men and Women on 18 February 2001. The purpose of this Order was to offer Anglo-American Freemasonry in the style of UGLE and the women only Orders but for men and women on equal terms.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Home |url=http://mason33.org/content/england/grand-lodge-uk/index.html |access-date=28 January 2025 |website=The Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for Men and Women}}</ref>

All of these splinter groups have belief in a Supreme Being as a requirement for membership, meaning that none of them recognise the British Federation they originate from as a regular Masonic body.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I Want to Join |url=https://www.owf.org.uk/join-us/i-want-to-join/ |access-date=28 January 2025 |website=The Order of Women Freemasons |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117083028/https://www.owf.org.uk/join-us/i-want-to-join/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How to join |url=https://hfaf.org/hfaf-official/how-to-join/ |access-date=28 January 2025 |website=The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114102445/https://hfaf.org/hfaf-official/how-to-join/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Membership |url=http://www.cfobs.org.uk/membership.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220004532/http://www.cfobs.org.uk/membership.html |archive-date=20 February 2012 |access-date=28 January 2025 |website=The Co-Freemasonic Order of The Blazing Star}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> thumb

=== Structure === Members of the Federation meet in lodges under the leadership of a Right Worshipful Master. These lodges are organised into geographical areas, known as 'Orients'. In any area containing three of more craft lodges, an application may be made for permission to form an Association of Installed Masters. The primary role of such an Association is to assist at installations of a Right Worshipful Master and to provide instruction and guidance in the Installed Master ritual. Other tasks may be undertaken if appropriate.<ref>{{Cite book | ref = IOF20 | publisher=International Order of Freemasonry For Men and Women, Le Droit Humain, British Federation |title=General Regulations British Federation 2020 | date=2020 |page=6}}</ref>

The Federation administration is organised by multiple bodies. At the grassroots level, the National Convention is held annually with all members above the grade of Entered Apprentice entitled to vote on issues.

The National Council of the Federation is its administrative body, comprising 15 members, including a President, Secretary and Deputy-Secretary all elected triennially at the National Convention. Meetings are also attended by the Most Puissant Grand Commander (MPGC) of the British Federation who is the representative of the Supreme Council of the Order and must hold the 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. They are also responsible for the side degrees worked by the Federation.<ref name=":6">''General Regulations British Federation 2020'', p. 5.</ref><ref name=IOF20p17>''General Regulations British Federation 2020'', p. 17.</ref> The National Council's remit covers the administration of craft masonry and the higher and allied degrees, except the Federation finances, which are the responsibility of the Finance Committee.

The Finance Committee assists the Federation Treasurer to manage the Federation's funds, investments, accounts and annual budget. It also sets the rates payable by lodges and chapters for members' annual capitation fees, registration fees, charters, diplomas, endorsements and Masonic passports.

The MPGC is supported in the execution of their duties by the Triangle of the 33°.<ref name=":6" />

=== Current activities === alt=A diagram showing the relationship of the Side Degrees of the British Le Droit Humain|thumb|The Side Degrees of British Le Droit Humain The stated aim of the Order in general, and thus the British Federation, is to use symbols to seek truth, both about the world and the individual. The Order promotes fraternity and works to the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe and to the perfection of humanity.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=About us |url=https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/about |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain - British Federation |archive-date=18 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118124821/https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/about |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Rees and Lorente-Bull 2023, p. 119.</ref>

The British Federation works the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite from the 1st to the 33rd degree inclusive. In addition the Allied Degrees of Mark, Royal Ark Mariner, Excellent Master, Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem, Knights Templar, Royal Order of Scotland and Red Cross of Constantine are either worked or permitted.<ref name=IOF20p17/>

The charitable arm of the Federation is the Co-Masonic Benevolent Fund, or CMBF, registered UK charity no. 205813. It is primarily concerned with alleviating poverty both in Britain and abroad, particularly of children.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charity |url=https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/charity |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain - British Federation |archive-date=7 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207043810/https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/charity |url-status=live }}</ref> It also holds annual fundraising events for SPES UK, a branch of SPES International, which provides aid for orphaned children in Togo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Events |url=https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/events |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain - British Federation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SPES Aims |url=https://sites.google.com/site/spesenglish/spes-organization/spes-aims-1?authuser=0 |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=SPES}}</ref>

Annie Besant received special dispensation to require a belief in a Supreme Being in her ritual, contrary to the international Order and the Liberal Masonic tradition.<ref>Rees and Lorente-Bull 2023, p. 115.</ref> However, the Federation today makes it clear that such a belief is not a prerequisite to membership.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQs |url=https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/faqs |access-date=27 January 2025 |website=International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain - British Federation |archive-date=18 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118125156/https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/faqs |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Portugal == The Portuguese Federation of Le Droit Humain (Portuguese: Ordem Maçónica Mista Internacional Le Droit Humain - Federação Portuguesa) was founded in 1923 by Adelaide Cabete. After the coup d'état of 28 May 1926 the dictatorial regime Estado Novo forbade masonry in the country and the order faded away. In 1980 a new lodge was opened and a new era for the Portuguese Federation of Le Droit Humain began.<ref>{{cite web |title=History |url=http://www.direito-humano.pt/index.php/a-maconaria/historia-do-dh/41-2/ |website=Federação Portuguesa da Ordem Maçónica Mista Internacional "Le Droit Humain" - O Direito Humano |date=29 April 2015 |access-date=9 June 2021 |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609192256/http://www.direito-humano.pt/index.php/a-maconaria/historia-do-dh/41-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Adelaide Cabete |url=http://www.direito-humano.pt/index.php/a-maconaria/historia-do-dh/41-2/adelaide-cabete/ |website=Federação Portuguesa da Ordem Maçónica Mista Internacional "Le Droit Humain" - O Direito Humano |date=29 April 2015 |access-date=9 June 2021 |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609192258/http://www.direito-humano.pt/index.php/a-maconaria/historia-do-dh/41-2/adelaide-cabete/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==North America== '''Le Droit Humain''' is present in Canada, Mexico, and United States of America. The first lodge in the United States was founded on 25 October 1903, by Louis Goaziou.

==Asia== Le Droit Humain is present in the Philippines, Worshipful Lodge La Independencia No° 2157 Orient of Kawit Cavite and Worshipful Lodge Talakudong No° 2171 Orient of Tacurong City,Sultan Kudarat Province of Mindanao.

==Regularity and recognition== ''Le Droit Humain'' is in mutual amity with the following Orders (meaning recognition is reciprocal and members can intervisit): * Women's Grand Lodge Of France * Grand Orient de France * Grand Orient of Belgium

== References == {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[https://ledroithumain.international/?lang=en The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women ''Le Droit Humain''] *[http://www.droithumain-france.org/ The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women ''Le Droit Humain'' — French Federation] *[https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.co.uk/ The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women ''Le Droit Humain'' — British Federation] *[https://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.org/ The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women ''Le Droit Humain'' — American Federation] *[http://www.freemasonryformenandwomen.org.au/ The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women ''Le Droit Humain'' — Australian Federation] *[https://ledroithumain.international/southafrica/ The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women ''Le Droit Humain'' — South African Federation]

Category:Co-Freemasonry Category:Masonic organizations Category:Grand Lodges Category:Continental Freemasonry