Despite a majority vote in favor, the Finnish Club decided to continue as an all-men’s club, denying women membership.
Despite a majority vote in favor, the Finnish Club decided to continue as an all-men’s club, denying women membership.
At Tuesday's meeting, 69.6% of members voted to allow women, but a 75% supermajority was required to change the rules.
At Tuesday's meeting, 69.6% of members voted to allow women, but a 75% supermajority was required to change the rules.
Chairman Raimo Ilveskero immediately resigned following the decision, as he had supported women's membership.
Chairman Raimo Ilveskero immediately resigned following the decision, as he had supported women's membership.
Ilveskero stated earlier that allowing women to join was essential for the club's future and to avoid reputational damage.
Ilveskero stated earlier that allowing women to join was essential for the club's future and to avoid reputational damage.
The club, known as Suomalainen Klubi, has almost 3,000 members, and the rule change was last debated in December.
The club, known as Suomalainen Klubi, has almost 3,000 members, and the rule change was last debated in December.
In December, 67.6% of members voted for women's membership, but the supermajority rule blocked the change then as well.
In December, 67.6% of members voted for women's membership, but the supermajority rule blocked the change then as well.
In May, 55 social influencers, including President Sauli Niinistö, pushed for another vote to keep the club socially relevant.
In May, 55 social influencers, including President Sauli Niinistö, pushed for another vote to keep the club socially relevant.
Club member Timo Everi, one of the supporters, expressed disappointment in Tuesday’s result, though he had been hopeful for a change.
Club member Timo Everi, one of the supporters, expressed disappointment in Tuesday’s result, though he had been hopeful for a change.
He urged members not to leave the club, suggesting that internal influence would be more effective than leaving in protest.
He urged members not to leave the club, suggesting that internal influence would be more effective than leaving in protest.
Founded in 1876, the Finnish Club was originally a discussion group for promoting Finnish language and culture.
Founded in 1876, the Finnish Club was originally a discussion group for promoting Finnish language and culture.
The club regularly organizes programs focused on social issues, culture, and sports for its members, with informal meal gatherings being an important tradition.
The club regularly organizes programs focused on social issues, culture, and sports for its members, with informal meal gatherings being an important tradition.
The rejection of women’s membership raises questions about the club's relevance in modern society and its future direction.
The rejection of women’s membership raises questions about the club's relevance in modern society and its future direction.