Historic Daughters of the American Revolution Rejects Proposal to Restrict Transgender Membership
Introduction
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a prestigious historical preservation society, has declined a motion to bar biological males identifying as transgender from joining its ranks. The decision has sparked controversy among members and advocates, raising questions about the organization’s commitment to its founding principles and the implications for its tax-exempt status.
Current DAR Policy
The DAR has a long-standing policy of accepting members based on state-certified birth certificates. This policy has allowed natal males who identify as women to join the organization. However, some members have expressed concerns about this practice, arguing that it undermines the DAR’s mission of preserving historical lineage.
Local Chapter’s Proposal
In response to these concerns, a local chapter in Texas proposed an amendment to the DAR bylaws that would define a woman as "a biological female at conception, having naturally occurring X chromosomes, exclusive of Y chromosomes." This amendment sought to prohibit all men, including trans-identifying men, from membership eligibility.
Center for American Liberty’s Argument
The Center for American Liberty (CAL), which supported the local chapter’s proposal, argued that excluding trans-identifying men from the DAR is both lawful and would not jeopardize the organization’s tax-exempt status. They argued that the First Amendment protects the DAR’s right to exclude individuals based on sex. Additionally, they maintained that the DAR’s current policy to accept birth certificates does not violate national public policy.
DAR National Board’s Rejection
Despite the CAL’s arguments, the DAR National Board of Management (NBOM) voted against the proposed bylaw amendment. In a rejection letter, the NBOM stated that the amendments were not suitable for inclusion and not in the best interests of the society. They emphasized that the DAR will continue to rely on state-certified birth certificates for membership eligibility.
Member Disappointment and Future Plans
Laura McDonald, a member of the Martha Laird DAR Chapter that proposed the amendment, expressed disappointment but remained determined. She stated that her chapter has prepared another proposal that they will vote on in March. McDonald believes that the new proposal will address the concerns raised by the NBOM.
DAR’s Founding Principles
The DAR was founded in 1890 as a place for women to honor Revolutionary War patriots and promote historical preservation. Membership is contingent on tracing lineage to those who helped fight for American independence. Some members argue that admitting biological males who identify as women violates the organization’s founding principles.
Concerns over Biological Males
Members opposed to the inclusion of trans-identifying men cite concerns about privacy, safety, and fairness. They argue that allowing biological males to join could lead to men having access to changing rooms, restrooms, and hotel rooms designated for women. Additionally, they worry that the organization’s focus on historical lineage is compromised by admitting individuals who do not biologically descend from Revolutionary War participants.
Brenda Becker’s Resignation
Brenda Becker, a former DAR member, resigned in protest of the bylaw amendment allowing trans-identifying women to join. She argued that the change was deceptive and undermined the organization’s integrity. Becker believes that the DAR’s mission is incompatible with the inclusion of individuals who do not biologically align with the criteria of female ancestry.
Conclusion
The DAR’s decision to reject the proposal to restrict transgender membership has sparked ongoing controversy. The organization faces pressure from members who question the validity of allowing trans-identifying men to join based on their biological sex. The rejection also raises questions about the DAR’s commitment to its founding principles and the potential implications for its tax-exempt status. As the debate continues, the DAR will need to navigate a path that balances its historical mission with concerns about inclusion, privacy, and fairness.
