17. Does Freemasonry engage in political activity?
    No. Although individual Freemasons have the right to belong to whatever political party they like or to none, just as to whatever religion they like or to none, the Freemasonic Order has no political aims or interests. Freemasons are expected to obey the laws of the country in which they live, to give allegiance to its government, and to work in a lawful manner for any social changes they espouse. There is a longstanding tradition that, when Freemasons meet, they do not discuss religion or politics, in order that the diversity of opinion among them on those subjects may not become a source of dissension.