Woman settles discrimination lawsuit with Framingham golf club

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. --A woman who sued Framingham Country Club for not letting her join because she is a female has agreed to a $262,000 settlement to end her lawsuit.

"I'm glad it's over with and we can all move on," said Mary Murray, who joined another lawsuit but would not say which one. "They should have settled four years ago. They realized I had a valid, legitimate claim."

The settlement came April 19, the day before the trial was scheduled to start, and was signed May 11, according to Murray's attorney, Marsha Kazarosian.

Jack O'Neil, the president of the board of governors of Framingham Country Club, said Wednesday the board was pleased to put the matter in the past. O'Neil was not on the club's board when Murray alleges she was bypassed in favor of a man, who was allowed to join.

"It's always in the best interest of both sides to try to settle any litigation if you can," O'Neil said. "Going to trial is also a crapshoot for both sides."

Murray originally filed a discrimination complaint in November 2002 with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. She withdrew that complaint in 2004 and instead decided to sue the club.

Murray had a social membership at the club, which placed her on the waiting list for full membership. That membership has since been canceled.

Framingham Country Club has 400 members, O'Neil said.