Congress Takes Swing At The Masters

If women can't become members at Augusta National, then senators, congressmen, judges and political appointees shouldn't either, several lawmakers are suggesting.

Reps. Carolyn Maloney, D-NY, and John Lewis, D-GA., are introducing a resolution Monday in the U.S. House urging top federal employees to stay away from organizations that discriminate on the basis of race or sex.

The measure, which is nonbinding, is a swipe at the golf course that hosts the Masters. Augusta National has been at the center of controversy in recent years concerning its tradition against membership for women.

"A club such as Augusta is a place powerful people make relationships with other very powerful people," said Maloney, who has about 10 co-sponsors - all Democrats - joining her in the effort. "It's basically about fairness. By holding the spotlight to Augusta, we're painting a picture openly and boldly of discrimination."

Augusta National Golf Club was founded in 1931 and has required an all-male membership ever since. With the sport's popularity and the Masters producing lucrative television revenues, critics say it should not be viewed as a private club but a public business, subject to the discrimination laws of any other.

Several people have resigned because of the controversy, including two who are prominent on the national scene. John W. Snow, President Bush's new Treasury secretary, is one of the latest. Former CBS chief executive Thomas H. Wyman quit last year after 25 years as a member. Wyman died in January 2003.