I can see that this topic has become a little polarised along the line of personal opinion, now noting that one contributor cited a lineage back to 1717 as a proof of regularity and therefor making the opinion of the Grand Lodge of England important I refer back to my second posting on this topic where I wrote:
"I suppose it depends what you choose to call a "bogus organisation". Here in England (the UK) there is the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Antients Freemasons that have both been making women Masons for more than 100 years. In 1999 the UGLE (my Grand Lodge) made the following statement about them:
There exist in England and Wales at least two Grand Lodges solely for women. Except that these bodies admit women, they are, so far as can be ascertained, otherwise regular in their practice. There is also one which admits both men and women to membership. They are not recognised by this Grand Lodge and intervisitation may not take place. There are, however, discussions from time to time with the women's Grand Lodges on matters of mutual concern. Brethren are therefore free to explain to non-Masons, if asked, that Freemasonry is not confined to men (even though this Grand Lodge does not itself admit women). Further information about these bodies may be obtained by writing to the Grand Secretary.
The Board is also aware that there exist other bodies not directly imitative of pure antient Masonry, but which by implication introduce Freemasonry, such as the Order of the Eastern Star. Membership of such bodies, attendance at their meetings, or participation in their ceremonies is incompatible with membership of this Grand Lodge."
"I suppose it depends what you choose to call a "bogus organisation". Here in England (the UK) there is the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Antients Freemasons that have both been making women Masons for more than 100 years. In 1999 the UGLE (my Grand Lodge) made the following statement about them:
There exist in England and Wales at least two Grand Lodges solely for women. Except that these bodies admit women, they are, so far as can be ascertained, otherwise regular in their practice. There is also one which admits both men and women to membership. They are not recognised by this Grand Lodge and intervisitation may not take place. There are, however, discussions from time to time with the women's Grand Lodges on matters of mutual concern. Brethren are therefore free to explain to non-Masons, if asked, that Freemasonry is not confined to men (even though this Grand Lodge does not itself admit women). Further information about these bodies may be obtained by writing to the Grand Secretary.
The Board is also aware that there exist other bodies not directly imitative of pure antient Masonry, but which by implication introduce Freemasonry, such as the Order of the Eastern Star. Membership of such bodies, attendance at their meetings, or participation in their ceremonies is incompatible with membership of this Grand Lodge."