Craftaphobia strikes again - this time in Gloucestershire

I have coined the term "craftaphobia" to indicate an unjustified fear and prejudice of Freemasonry. However, I am disappointed that stories like this are still being perpetuated in the media:

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/reveal-Gloucestershire-councillor-links-secret/story-15232874-detail/story.html

If Freemasonry is a "secret society" it is not a very successful one! Rather Freemasonry is a fraternity; it is a "gated community" in the sense that admission is based on certain criteria, and what goes on behind the gates if for the large part our concern. However, there is nothing illicit, illegal or untoward.

Furthermore, I think the requirement to register membership is a breach of human rights. However, I think we should all work to a time when the purpose of Freemasonry is more open, more widely understood, where registers are not necessary and the label of "secret society" will be considered as outdated as other forms of prejudice that has no place in this world, such as racism, sexism and ageism.

Having said that, there has been a noticeable change in balance that is reported, which at least suggests we are making progress. My view is that such a change would take at least a generation, and I would think we are about half way there :-)