Sorry, NOT every Civil Suit is for Monetary Damages and alleges a harm which needs redress through compensation.
In the 1970s, CT passed ERA to its own Constitution. Private clubs continued to discriminate in having things such as Mens Grill Rooms or restrictive tee times and tennis court access. Growing up, I remember women could not tee off before 3 PM on Sunday or get a tennis court before noon. No women could tee off pr play golf Wednesday afternoons (doctors’ traditional afternoon off).
Suits were brought against a number of the country clubs seeking injunctive relief to remove the discriminatory rules. No dollars were sought. Because, the women were members of the clubs, they could not file a suit seeking monetary damages, as rules were available before becoming a member and as members they could vote for new officers and changes in the rules.
The women had standing to sue the private clubs and the state courts had jurisdiction because the clubs held liquor licenses and sales tax permits. Their swimming pools and kitchens required inspection and licenses from local health departments.
Injunctive relief was granted and their could be no discrimination against women in the clubs, despite being private. Their licenses, permits and inspections qualified them as places of public accommodation.