Board of Directors, Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte

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Determined whether a club is considered a business establishment, and would therefore be subject to the Unruh Civil Rights Act.

Full Case Title: 

Board of Directors, Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte, 481 U.S. 537 (1987)
  • Fairness in the Courts

Year: 

1987
  • Sex-Based Classification
  • Authored Amicus Brief

Brief: 

Rotary International revoked the Rotary Club of Duarte's charter when the local club decided to admit women. The Court of Appeal of California, Second Appellate District ruled that Rotary International and the Duarte club are considered business establishments within the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and therefore had to admit women. The Supreme Court agreed.

Legal Momentum's amicus brief focused on the important role clubs such as Rotary play in business and employment.