Elks Leaders Vote To Allow Women

The Elks, one of the nation’s largest fraternal organizations, took the first step Thursday to begin admitting women.

At its national convention in New Orleans, more than twothirds of about 5,000 people on the Elks’ legislative body voted in favor of admitting women beginning in late September or early October.

The proposal now goes to the 127-year-old fraternity’s 2,250 lodges.

Edward J. Mahan, grand exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, said he expected the lodges to allow women but doesn’t think a great many will apply.