The State - News from Sept. 21, 1989

State Controller Gray Davis, in an effort to make sure members are not taking illegal tax deductions, subpoenaed the membership list of a private San Francisco club that allegedly discriminates against women. “Taxpayers should not subsidize discrimination,” Davis said. “They should not be forced to pick up the tab for clubs that probably would not let them in the door.” A California tax regulation forbids members of private clubs that discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin or age from taking deductions on their state returns for business expenses incurred at the clubs. A state law based on the regulation goes into effect in January. Davis said the subpoena was necessary because the club, whose name he could not disclose because of tax confidentiality laws, refused to submit the list voluntarily.