The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women LE DROIT HUMAIN is a democratic association based on the basic principle of the division of powers.
Legislative power :
International Convention 2017
Every five years an International Convention brings together delegates from all federations and pioneer federations. It works as a representative democracy, every delegate having been elected by its national body.
The International Convention is the legislative branch of the Order. Thus it is during the International Convention that the the articles of the International Constitution are reviewed with the Committee of Ministers being informed according to the discussion and wishes of the delegates. The next International Convention will be held in Paris in May 2027.
Within each federation, there is also a national convention, an assembly of delegates of the lodges. It meets at least once a year and decides on the local functioning of the federation.
Executive power :
During the International Convention the delegates of the membership elect the members of the Supreme Council of the Order for a term from one International Convention to the next. Members of the Supreme Council are elected in proportion to the number of members of their Federation. They must hold the highest degree – the 33rd – awarded by the Order. The Supreme Council meets three times a year in Paris.
The Supreme Council in turn elects its President, Grand Master of the Order and its Officers.
In each federation, the national convent elects a national council headed by a President, called in France and Belgium: National Grand Master. Members of the national councils must have at least the 3rd degree
Judiciary :
A judicial body exists within each federation – whose members are elected by the delegates of the logias. An appeal body is established within the Supreme Council.
Admission of new members :
Applications for admission are the responsibility of each Lodge . Any request which reaches the Master of the a Lodge is subject to review by the Lodge and if the examination proves successful the final state is for the candidate to be interviewed “under the blindfold”.
At each stage the Lodge shall decide by a vote of its members whether to continue the process. The ballot must result in a majority being in favour. The administrative bodies of each Federation and of the Order will ensure that procedures are conducted according to regulations.
How do I leave the Order?
Every Freemason may at any time give formal notice his wish to resign from the Order. Members of the Lodge take note of this and forward the resignation to the National and International administrative bodies.
