Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2026
Bottom line
The bill codifies a biological definition of 'woman' for DAR membership, potentially excluding transgender women.
What it actually does
This bill amends the federal charter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to explicitly define membership eligibility. It specifies that membership is limited to an individual who is an "adult human female," further defining "female" based on the natural reproductive system that produces ova. This codifies a specific biological definition of womanhood within the DAR's federal charter.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill clarifies and reinforces the traditional and biological understanding of 'woman' for an organization whose name explicitly refers to 'Daughters.' They contend it upholds the integrity and specific identity of the DAR, ensuring its federal charter aligns with its historical mission and the biological reality of its founding principles. Supporters believe it respects the autonomy of private organizations to define their membership criteria, especially when a federal charter is involved, by providing a clear, unambiguous definition.
Opponents contend
Opponents argue that this bill is discriminatory against transgender women, effectively excluding them from an organization based on their gender identity, despite their potential genealogical qualifications. They contend that using a federal charter to codify such an exclusionary and biologically narrow definition of 'woman' is harmful and sets a problematic precedent. Critics also suggest that this federal legislative action is an unnecessary intervention into the internal affairs of a private organization, as the DAR could presumably define its own membership without congressional mandate.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a quick read and understanding of its core purpose.
Section 2(a), amending 36 U.S.C. 153101a(a)
Membership Eligibility Clarification
This provision adds a new section to the DAR's federal charter, explicitly stating that membership is limited to an individual who is a 'woman' and meets the organization's other genealogical qualifications. This directly integrates a specific gender definition into the federal law governing the DAR's membership criteria, overriding any other interpretations that might arise from the general language of the charter.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision ensures the DAR's membership remains consistent with its historical identity as an organization for biologically defined women who are descendants of American Revolution patriots. They believe it protects the organization's right to define itself and its membership in a way that reflects its foundational principles.
Critics contend
Opponents contend this provision is discriminatory and legally enshrines an exclusionary definition of gender, specifically targeting transgender women. They argue it uses federal law to endorse a narrow, biological definition of 'woman' that disregards contemporary understandings of gender identity and may set a harmful precedent for other federally chartered organizations.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between an organization's autonomy to define its membership and broader societal debates about gender identity and inclusion. It trades off the potential for broader inclusion against the desire to maintain a specific, historically understood identity for the organization.
Section 2(b), amending 36 U.S.C. 153101a(b)
Definitions of 'Woman' and 'Female'
This provision provides explicit definitions for the terms 'woman' and 'female' as they apply to DAR membership eligibility. 'Woman' is defined as 'an adult human female,' and 'female' is defined as 'a person who naturally has, had, will have, or would have but for a congenital anomaly or intentional or unintentional disruption, the reproductive system that produces, transports, and utilizes the large gamete (ova) for fertilization.' These definitions are crucial for interpreting the membership eligibility criteria.