In my 25 years in Masonry, I have only seen two instances where a ballot was unfavorable. And one of those applicants had a felony record. I cannot say how many applications are denied prior to balloting, because such cases are generally not submitted to the open lodge.
The requirements to petition Freemasonry are not terribly stringent. And there must be reasonable and necessary grounds for rejection. You cannot reject an applicant, just because you do not like his earring or tattoo. Most applicant who are rejected, have a felony record, or some other form of moral turpitude. No atheist can be made a mason.
With membership declining, some states are relaxing their requirements, and permitting men to join, who in previous years, may have been rejected.
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