An all-male committee is facing a legal battle after banning equal rights for women.

Sunnybank Social Club in Silsden voted last night to scrap a rule in club regulations which opponents say allows women full status.

The men banished the women from the committee room before voting 55 to 12 in favour of rescinding the rule.

Angry opponents who have already taken legal advice immediately threatened to take action in the civil court.

The management committee, which later met in an office, refused to comment or explain its decision and told the Telegraph & Argus reporter to leave.

As the committee arrived for the crucial vote at 8.30pm, they were met by a vocal group of placard-waving women who are fighting for full membership.

They are at present just social members and cannot sit on the committee or vote.

But they claim the controversial club rule in fact allowed them full status.

As members gathered in the lounge after the meeting for a pint and a game of snooker, most of the men refused to comment. But taking up the cudgels on the women's behalf are member and fireman Bernard Clarke, who resigned from the committee earlier this year over the issue, and member Mike Sutton, both of Silsden.

After the vote, an angry Mr Clarke said: "They have rail-roaded that decision. Nobody was allowed to debate it. They have rescinded Rule 33, which we say allows women to have full membership.

"This is not the end. My wife Fiona will apply to become a full member on February 1 under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act." He said he believed the club came under the Act and allowed women full rights, including serving on the committee and voting.

"I've already taken some legal advice and we are right," he said. "We will see what the committee does now. It could mean taking legal action."

Margaret Sloan, 54, of Claymore Rise, Silsden, who works for the health service and is battling to become a member, said: "They have a Victorian attitude. My impression is that they'd rather have women at the kitchen sink, on a ball and chain and with a bun in the oven. Those days have gone. We want equal rights."

And Jean Spencer, of Clifford House, Silsden, said: "I'm very upset by the way we were handled. They asked us to leave in a very bad tone of voice."

But Diane Baluc, 38, of Ebor Close, Silsden, said: "I'm a social member and I'm happy with the way the club is run."

One 70-year-old man, who refused to give his name, said: "I think some people are trying to take over the club."

And 64-year-old committee member William Kerr, of Cross Hills, said: "I am comfortable with the decision. The club has been run well for many years -why change it?"

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