DAR members vote to keep membership limited to biological women

At the Daughters of the American Revolution’s 135th Continental Congress in Washington, DC, delegates voted to reject a resolution that would have clarified that only biological women may join the organization. The defeat means that trans‑identifying males could be admitted, challenging the group’s historic women‑only status.

The vote involved a tiny fraction of the roughly 190,000 members – fewer than 2,500 participants – but it has spurred action across the network. More than 100 chapters in 34 states have petitioned for a special meeting in October to debate future membership eligibility. Founded in 1890 as a counterpart to the male‑only Sons of the American Revolution, the DAR’s bylaws require documented blood‑line descent, a requirement its members argue underscores the organization’s focus on female lineage.

Members expressed concern that allowing biological males would dilute the organization’s purpose of honoring women’s contributions to the American Revolution, while others see the debate as an opportunity to reassess the group’s policies in light of contemporary gender discussions.