The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) faces a pivotal decision as its National Board of Management contemplates a bylaw amendment to exclude transgender men from membership, sparking debate within the organization.
At a Glance
- DAR’s National Board to vote on bylaw amendment defining membership based on biological sex at birth
- Previous bylaw change inadvertently allowed transgender women to join, prompting current amendment push
- Amendment aims to reinforce DAR’s identity as a traditionally female organization
- Concerns raised about potential impact on DAR’s nonprofit status
- If approved by the board, full membership will vote on the measure in June
Proposed Amendment Sparks Controversy
The Daughters of the American Revolution, a prestigious organization with over 190,000 members worldwide, is grappling with a contentious issue that strikes at the heart of its identity. The National Board of Management is set to consider a bylaw amendment that would explicitly define membership eligibility based on biological sex at birth, effectively excluding transgendered individuals from joining the organization.
This proposed change comes in response to a previous bylaw amendment that, while intended to update non-discrimination language, inadvertently opened the door for transgender women to become members. The unintended consequence has led to a push from some chapters, particularly in states like Texas, to reinforce the DAR’s traditional female-only membership policy.
Membership Requirements and Organizational Identity
The DAR has long maintained strict membership criteria, requiring applicants to be women over 18 with proven lineal descent from American Revolution patriots. Laura McDonald, a DAR member advocating for the new amendment, emphasized the organization’s core identity, stating, “Our goal is to restore and preserve our Historic American Society – founded for women, by women. Yet, we find ourselves in a strange position of combating those in leadership who are sadly driven by an agenda.”
The organization’s leadership, however, has maintained that the recent bylaw changes did not alter membership eligibility. DAR President General Pamela Rouse Wright clarified, “If a person’s birth certificate is female, they’re eligible for membership.”
Balancing Tradition and Legal Considerations
The proposed amendment has sparked a heated debate within the organization, with some members citing religious beliefs and concerns about preserving the DAR’s historical mission. Former DAR member Brenda Becker expressed her opposition to the previous bylaw change, stating, “Radical gender ideology has no place in this historic institution.”
“The motto of DAR is God, Home and Country, so this really violates the values and beliefs of many members of DAR by saying that now a man can say he’s a woman just because he thinks he’s a woman or feels like a woman,” Becker added.
On the other hand, DAR leadership has emphasized the need to maintain the organization’s tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) entity. The previous bylaw amendment included language prohibiting discrimination based on various protected characteristics, including sexual orientation.
