Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The headquarters of Human Rights International, located 5 rue Jules Breton in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, was built between 1912 and 1914 by architect Charles Nizet. This building, formerly the home of Georges Martin, co-founder of the mixed Masonic order, is designed in an Egyptian style, in vogue after the Universal Exhibition of 1900. The facade, adorned with palmiform columns and winged triangles evoking Horus, displays militant inscriptions, as "IN THE HVMANITY WOMEN TO THE SAME MUSTOWS QVE THE MAN". Ranked a Historic Monument in 2013, it embodies the feminist and universalist legacy of order.

The international mixed Masonic order "Human Law" was founded in 1893 by Georges Martin and Maria Deraismes, pioneer of feminism and first woman initiated in Freemasonry in France. Their objective: to promote equality between men and women in the lodges, a revolution in a then exclusively male environment. In 1901, the order was structured with the creation of the "Supreme Joint Universal Council", allowing an initiatory continuity of the 33 degrees of the ancient and accepted Scottish Rite. The Parisian siege, bequest of Georges Martin, becomes the symbol of this obedience, today present in more than 60 countries.

The motto "ORDO AB CHAO" (order is born of chaos), engraved above the entrance, summarizes the philosophy of order: overcoming divisions to build an egalitarian society. The building, owned by the association, still houses the governing bodies of Human Rights. Its architecture and symbols make it a unique place, at the crossroads of Masonic, feminist and architectural history.

Maria Deraismes, a journalist and activist, played a key role in founding the first mixed lodge in 1893, after her controversial initiation in 1882. Georges Martin, senator and philanthropist, carries the internationalist project, structuring order to transcend borders and cultures. Their legacy continues through this siege, where the orientations of a commitment to women's rights and peace between nations are still being decided today.

Human Law is distinguished by three pillars: mixing, internationalism and the complete practice of the 33 Masonic degrees. Unlike other French obediences, he integrates various rites, such as the English Rite, to adapt to his world federations. The Supreme Council, a central authority, monitors initiatory coherence and designates national representatives, ensuring unity of order through its 816 lodges spread over five continents.

Ranked Historic Monument in 2013, the seat is an architectural testimony of the struggles for equality. The inscriptions on his façade, such as "THE HVMAIN LAW", recall his commitment to open freemasonry, regardless of sex, race or religion. This place, both a symbol and a tool of radiation, illustrates the progressive utopia of its founders: to unite humanity beyond the divisions.

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