Commons leader condemns decision to ban female golfer amid discrimination row
Commons leader Andrea Leadsom has condemned a golf club for taking the "ridiculous" decision to suspend a female golfer who spoke out against alleged discrimination.
Lowri Roberts claimed Cottrell Park Golf Resort suspended her after speaking out about men being given prime tee times at the Welsh club.
Ms Roberts said she was asked to retract comments in the press and when she refused was notified disciplinary proceedings had started and that she was "totally suspended".
I'm no longer allowed to play competitive golf in the "men's slot" on a Saturday morning.Cottrell Park Members Association called an EGM.A two thirds majority was required to pass either proposal.Both were rejected.These are sad times.The fight continues. #thisis2018#sheplays2pic.twitter.com/WJVa0zTmUX
-- Lowri Roberts (@Lowri_Amlwch) May 1, 2018
Labour former minister Kevin Brennan, who is Ms Roberts's constituency MP, raised the matter in the Commons, calling on the Government to hold a debate on "discrimination against women in golf clubs".
He said: "Can we debate discrimination against women in golf clubs, my constituent Lowri Roberts wanted top play golf on a Saturday and was banned from doing so because she was a woman.
"When she complained in the media she was actually suspended from the Cottrell Park Golf Resort in the Vale of Glamorgan, isn't that an absolute disgrace in this day and age?"
Despite recent positive developments, I won't be allowed to play golf at my club this Saturday or indeed on any day of the week for now. My membership rights at the resort have been suspended in full, pending a formal disciplinary procedure! #thisis2018#sheplays2 ??
-- Lowri Roberts (@Lowri_Amlwch) May 8, 2018
Ms Leadsom responded: "I completely agree with him and I do encourage him to seek an adjournment debate so that he can see what more can be done to sort out this ridiculous kind of incident."
