Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 17, 1994 TAG: 9403170096
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Allen said his staff determined the Commonwealth Club does not discriminate in its membership policy, but he decided not to join anyway because his participation "could be potentially misinterpreted."
A day earlier, the Republican said he would join if his aides determined the club does not discriminate based on religion or race. He said he saw nothing wrong with joining a club for men only.
Allen said Wednesday he also will decline a membership invitation from the Country Club of Virginia.
"Given the media attention of the last several days, there have been considerable questions raised relating to the membership practices" of the clubs, Allen said.
"I have been assured, and indeed have read the membership requirements for both, that such discrimination is not their policy, and for that I applaud them."
But he said the governor "is held to a different standard.
"Given the concerns voiced by Virginians and the fact I have never had a desire to join similar organizations in the past, I have determined that an honorary membership in either club could be potentially misinterpreted."
Allen said he has never been a member of a social club other than the Kiwanis Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Albemarle County Jaycees.
"It's not really something that was part of my lifestyle or recreational practices," Allen told reporters.
The Commonwealth Club traditionally offers honorary membership to the Virginia governor, but Allen's three Democratic predecessors declined.
Memo: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.