DAR sparks revolt by accepting transgender members.
Daughters of the American Revolution Causes Revolt by Allowing Transgender Members
This summer, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) made a bold move that has sparked controversy and divided its members. The all-female historical society decided to change its bylaws, opening its doors to men who identify as women.
The amendment passed by DAR leaders states that membership cannot be denied based on characteristics protected by applicable law. This means that men who have altered their birth certificates to indicate their female identity are now eligible for membership.
Furthermore, the amendment also took away the power of local chapters to determine if an applicant is personally acceptable for membership. This change reflects a larger trend in society, as more and more traditionally female spaces and groups are becoming inclusive of men.
According to Bren Landon, a spokeswoman for the DAR, this decision was made to protect the organization’s tax-exempt status. She emphasized that the criteria for membership remains unchanged since the DAR’s founding in 1890.
The DAR, which boasts approximately 190,000 members across the United States and worldwide, requires applicants to prove their descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence. The organization’s website provides detailed information on how to join.
During the DAR’s 132nd Continental Congress, the amendment was passionately debated. Jennifer Mease, a member of a Pennsylvania chapter, expressed concerns about the new policy to DAR president general Pamela Wright. Mease questioned whether chapters would have the right to reject individuals whose birth certificates had been altered to indicate a female gender identity.
Wright’s response was clear: if a person’s certified birth certificate states that they are female, they are eligible for membership, and chapters cannot discriminate against them based on their protected class. She emphasized that any such discrimination would be considered a violation of their rights.
Here’s President General Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright saying during the DAR’s Continental Congress: “If [a biological male’s] birth certificate says they are a female, and you vote against them based on their protected class, it’s discrimination.” pic.twitter.com/0ffhmePs62
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) July 26, 2023
However, not all members are pleased with this change. Some have chosen to resign from the DAR, including Jennifer Mease, who cited her deeply held religious beliefs as the reason for her departure. Mease expressed her inability to reconcile the new bylaw with her belief that God created men and women as distinct and separate genders.
Other members, like Judy Lindsay and Dorothy Middleton, voiced their discontent with the decision, arguing that the DAR should be fighting for women and that this change goes against the principles their patriot ancestors fought for.
Despite the backlash, the DAR stands by its decision, stating that the amendment was necessary to ensure inclusivity and protect its tax-exempt status. While fewer than 30 members have resigned due to the changes, the organization remains committed to its mission of honoring and preserving American history.
Source: The Western Journal
How does allowing transgender members in the Daughters of the American Revolution align with the organization’s mission to honor and preserve the legacy of the Revolutionary War era?
Different gender identity. She argued that this change could undermine the organization’s mission to honor and preserve the legacy of the Revolutionary War era.
However, for others, the amendment is a step toward progress and inclusivity. It acknowledges the evolving understanding of gender identity and strives to create a more accepting and diverse organization. Supporters argue that denying membership to transgender individuals would be discriminatory and against the principles of equality and human rights.
The decision made by the DAR reflects a broader trend in society, where institutions and organizations are reevaluating their membership criteria to ensure inclusivity. The Boy Scouts of America, for example, began accepting girls into their ranks in 2018. This shift stems from a recognition that gender is not determined solely by biological sex and that individuals who identify differently should be afforded the same opportunities and rights as their cisgender counterparts.
While the amendment has caused controversy among some DAR members, it is essential to remember that progress often sparks dissent. It is a reminder that society is constantly evolving and that we must adapt to changing times. The decision to include transgender members does not diminish the contributions and sacrifices made by the women who fought for American independence; instead, it reflects a commitment to embracing diversity and promoting equality.
In conclusion, the Daughters of the American Revolution’s decision to allow transgender members has sparked both support and opposition within its ranks. It reflects a larger societal shift towards inclusivity and recognizes the importance of embracing individuals of all gender identities. While this decision may be divisive, it is a testament to the organization’s commitment to equality and the recognition that gender does not define one’s ability to contribute to the preservation of American history.
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