Can Communists and Fascists follow Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that emphasizes moral and spiritual development, and its membership is open to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. Historically, Freemasonry has maintained a stance of political neutrality, and its Lodges are not political bodies. Members are generally discouraged from discussing partisan politics or sectarian religion within the Lodge room.
While the core tenets of Freemasonry, such as brotherly love, relief, and truth, are universal principles, the compatibility of membership with certain political ideologies, like Communism and Fascism, has been a subject of historical debate. Many Masonic constitutions and Grand Lodges have historically prohibited membership to those who advocate for the overthrow of established governments or who belong to organizations that do so. Therefore, whether an individual holding such political beliefs can be a Freemason often depends on the specific tenets and regulations of the Grand Lodge in question, and whether those beliefs are seen as conflicting with the obligations and principles of Freemasonry.