A former member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is objecting to the organization’s inclusion of transgender women. Brenda Becker, a former DAR executive board member, believes the acceptance of such members is an intrusion of “radical gender ideology” into the historic group. This comes after the organization updated its bylaws last summer, stating that it cannot discriminate against any eligible applicant based on factors such as race, religion, and sexual orientation. This amendment will allow for admittance of biological men who identify as transgender women.
In response to these concerns, DAR leadership clarified that the recent amendments did not alter membership requirements but updated the non-discrimination policy language. The requirement remains that members must be female and lineally descended from a man or woman who contributed to American independence. DAR also accepted birth certificates indicating that an applicant is female, even those that may have been legally altered.
Becker and her allies have formed a group known as “Biological Daughters,” which aims to oppose these changes. They initially attempted to present and pass an amendment to reverse the changes at the upcoming Continental Congress, but their efforts were thwarted when the National Board of Management voted against them.