"The “Enfants de Cambacérès” is a fraternity encompassing the french masonic Grand Lodges where freedom of speech prevails and ideas for gay and lesbian freemasons exchanged. Its aim is to propose ways, through reflection, for each freemason to advance in the paths of tolerance and progress.

For several years, an increasing number of freemasons have been looking for a place to discuss and exchange ideas which concern their private life and for which they have difficulty to raise in their respective lodges, namely homosexuality.

In fact the Grand lodges are not structured in such a way as to raise topics other than symbolism and there may exist a certain ostracism, masked or not, when the question of homosexuality is raised.

Over the past few years, the profane world has rapidly evolved and homosexuality is discussed openly and freely. The public has been and continues to be informed on subjects close to the homosexual’s concerns such as the civil partnership and homoparentality

In our Grand Lodges, the subject is not raised as if it is still taboo. However since the beginnings of speculative freemasonry many brethren/sisters were or are homosexual. A fact one cannot deny. On the contrary, freemasonry may take pride that, over the ages, its members have fought for liberty and tolerance even at the risk of their own lives.

Being at the forefront in the fight against Aids is the proof that the freemasons personal commitment is equal to their spiritual commitment to the obligation entered into at their initiation. Thus they practise the principles of virtue, justice and truth as laid down in the ritual. It is the victory of light over the gloom of ignorance and exclusion.

This association for the exchange of ideas has thus been formed and is open to those of all Grand Lodges. It has existed since 1999 as the brotherhood “Les Enfants de Cambacérès”.

Jean-Jacque Régis de Cambacérès was Grand Chancellor under the Napoleonic Empire, General Administrator then Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Orient in France, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the ancient and accepted Scottish rite, Grand Master of the Knights of Jerusalem, and also author of the Napoleonic Code. By choosing this emblematic personage, whose contribution resulted in the depenalization of homosexuality, no longer considered an offence under the various versions of the Civil Code, we wanted to do homage to this admirable brother who never disguised his own homosexuality and who remains an example to freemasons throughout the world.

Our fraternity, the first of its kind, is composed of brothers and sisters of the french Grand Lodges, who have decided to meet amongst themselves, once a month, to discuss subjects not raised in their respective Lodges. It has a managing committee of ten members and a charter based on the principles and requirements similar to those of the respective Grand Lodges.
“Les Enfants de Cambacérès” is founded on the principles of tolerance and progress, taught in our lodges and which honours modern and traditional masonic tenets. We are proud to be the trustees and heirs. 

At our monthly dinners, we invite intellectuals, politicians, journalists, magistrates, directors to discuss and exchange views in the fight against homophobia. 

Up to only recently our fraternity has operated with discretion but a magazine revealed our existence, in laudatory terms, and we now involuntarily find ourselves under the media spotlight.

From our belonging to a double minority – chosen as in masonry, involuntarily but accepted as in homosexuality – we provide a think-tank in an attempt to combine both. We are able to consider new concepts, to which our Grand Lodges will sooner or later find themselves confronted when faced with the change in moral patterns in the profane world whence new members are recruited.

Let us be specific. How do we explain to our fellow masons, that homophobia is only a form of racism and does not have its place in a fraternity which preaches tolerance? Is a lodge able to refuse admission to a candidate who has entered into a civil partnership and thus be outside the law even though the initiate promises due obedience to the laws of the State which may be his place of residence or offer him protection? We are aware of a refusal of a candidature for this very reason. There are several examples of homosexuality being a brake on election to WM or to higher responsibilities within the hierarchy as if being different gave rise to disapproval of the Lodge or even of the entire Order. Jean-Jacques Régis Cambacérès provides a shining example that to be homosexual does not, in any way, hinder fully assuming the most important responsibilities.

However, many masons often feel isolated within their lodges where they had hoped to find fraternity and tolerance. They are disappointed to ascertain that these very principles are merely empty words which lodges are incapable to put into practice due to concealed or voiced homophobia. The distress of certain freemasons is no longer a case study but a reality.

We hope that your interest in our fraternity has been kindled and that you appreciate our justification for a community which has paid, and still pays, dearly for its existence – from concentration camps to the hecatomb of aids.

Let us not doubt that it is there that our brethren/sisters add their stone to the Building, so as to maintain both universality and the principles and tenets of Freemasonry. As expressed on an internet site of a French Grand Lodge: “What is the characteristic of universality? It is the expression of our knowledge of “one’s being”, where prejudice and / intolerance are unacceptable, and where the guide is the acceptance of our fellow men regardless of spiritual, cultural and social considerations. What is important is simply that he is a brother."