Summary#
This bill amends the federal charter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to set a specific definition of who can be a member. The main change says membership is limited to “a woman,” and it defines “woman” and “female” in biological terms tied to reproductive anatomy (ova). The bill’s stated policy purpose is to clarify the organization’s membership eligibility.
Key changes:
- Adds a new membership section to the DAR’s federal charter saying members must be women who meet the society’s genealogical and membership rules.
- Defines “woman” as an adult human female.
- Defines “female” by reference to having, or naturally having had or would have, the reproductive system that produces and uses the large gamete (ova/eggs) for fertilization.
- Applies this definition “notwithstanding any other provision” of the chapter (overrides other wording in that charter chapter).
What it means for you#
- Members and applicants of DAR: The organization’s federal charter would explicitly require that members be adult human females as defined by the bill. This could affect who is accepted as a member.
- Transgender people: This could mean that a person who identifies as a woman but does not meet the bill’s biologically based definition (for example, does not have the reproductive anatomy described) might not qualify. The bill does not explicitly mention gender identity.
- Intersex people and some people who had medical procedures: This could affect people whose reproductive systems differ from the definition or who have had surgeries or medical treatments that change reproductive anatomy. The bill includes a phrase about congenital anomalies or intentional/unintentional disruption, but does not explain how those cases will be decided.
- DAR organization and leadership: The society would likely need to apply this definition when reviewing membership applications and possibly update its rules and procedures to match the federal charter language.
- Government and public services: The bill changes the federal charter for a private organization. It does not itself create a public program or direct services to the public.
What is unclear: The bill does not explain how the DAR would verify the biological definition, how it would treat people with ambiguous medical histories, or how this change would interact with federal or state anti-discrimination laws.
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
- The bill text and supplied material do not include a fiscal note or cost estimate.
- Possible administrative costs for the DAR to update membership procedures and for any legal review or disputes are not estimated in the material.
- Any government administrative cost to record or publish the charter change is not identified.
Proponents' View#
- The bill appears intended to make membership rules explicit by tying membership to a biological definition of female and to the organization’s existing genealogical requirements.
- Supporters may argue this clarifies eligibility and prevents disputes about who qualifies under the charter.
- It could be seen as preserving the organization’s historical focus as a women’s lineage society by specifying a biological definition of “woman.”
Opponents' View#
- One concern is that the bill’s biological definition may exclude people who identify as women but do not meet the anatomical description, including many transgender women.
- The language about congenital anomalies or “intentional or unintentional disruption” of reproductive systems is vague and may leave uncertain how to handle medical or surgical cases.
- The bill does not explain how the DAR would verify medical or biological criteria, which could raise privacy and administrative burden concerns.
- It is unclear whether this federal charter change could raise legal questions under federal or state anti-discrimination laws; the bill text does not address potential conflicts or enforcement.