Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 28, 2026
Bottom line
S. 5152 codifies a specific biological definition of 'woman' and 'female' into the DAR's federal charter, potentially impacting who can join the organization.
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' and meets the organization's genealogical qualifications. The bill further defines 'female' based on the natural reproductive system that produces, transports, and utilizes the large gamete (ova) for fertilization, including those with congenital anomalies or disruptions.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill clarifies and protects the original intent and historical identity of the Daughters of the American Revolution by explicitly defining membership based on biological sex. They contend it ensures the organization remains true to its founding principles and provides legal certainty regarding eligibility, preventing potential disputes over membership criteria in the future.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that this bill is discriminatory and seeks to exclude individuals based on a narrow and potentially outdated definition of sex, particularly impacting transgender women. They might contend that such a federal intervention into a private organization's charter is unnecessary and could set a problematic precedent for defining identity in other contexts, potentially limiting inclusivity.
The bill text is very short and straightforward, allowing for a quick read and easy comprehension of its direct provisions.
Section 2(a), inserting Section 153101a into Chapter 1531 of title 36, United States Code.
Clarification of Membership Eligibility for Daughters of the American Revolution
This provision explicitly states that membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is restricted to individuals who are 'adult human females' and who also meet the organization's existing genealogical and membership standards. It then provides a detailed biological definition of 'female,' focusing on the reproductive system associated with producing ova, even if affected by anomalies or disruptions. This aims to legally codify a specific understanding of female identity for DAR membership.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is essential for preserving the historical and traditional identity of the DAR as an organization for biologically defined women. They believe it provides a clear, unambiguous standard for membership, aligning the federal charter with what they view as the organization's foundational principles and ensuring its future direction.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this provision is discriminatory and unnecessary, specifically targeting and excluding transgender women from an organization that should be inclusive of all who identify as women and meet genealogical requirements. They argue that imposing such a narrow biological definition through federal law is an overreach and could be seen as hostile to evolving understandings of gender identity.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between maintaining a traditional, biologically-defined membership for a historical organization and calls for broader inclusivity based on gender identity. It prioritizes a specific biological definition, potentially at the cost of alienating or excluding individuals who identify as women but do not meet that definition.