Full Breakdown
Rep. Ben Cline Targets DAR Membership Rules
7/16/2026, 1:30:41 AM
Core Event: Federal Bill Aims to Bar Transgender Women from DAR
Virginia Republican Representative Ben Cline introduced the *Daughters of the American Revolution Membership Integrity Act* on a Wednesday in June 2024. The bill would amend the organization’s federal charter to limit membership to individuals who “naturally … have … the reproductive system that produces … the large gamete (ova) for fertilization,” effectively excluding transgender women.
Background & Context
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a nonprofit historical society founded in 1890 and chartered by Congress in 1896, voted 1,474-981 on June 26, 2024, to reject a proposal to ban trans women. The organization had previously amended its guidelines in 2023 to protect trans members and again rejected a chapter-level ban in 2025. A right-wing faction within DAR, Daughters Advocating for Restoration, had advocated for a ban, arguing for “preservation of Historic American Societies for Women.”
Official Statements & Responses
Cline described the legislation as “common-sense” and said the DAR had “abandoned the very principles on which it was founded” as the nation marks its 250th birthday. He framed the bill as a return to “serving the true daughters of the American Revolution.” DAR officials have not issued a formal response to the bill, though the organization’s recent vote underscores its commitment to inclusive membership.
Criticism & Opposition
Members and observers argue that excluding people based on gender identity contradicts DAR’s stated values of “respect, service, and sisterhood.” One member posted that “Transgender Americans are patriots, family members, volunteers, historians, and descendants of Revolutionary War ancestors just like anyone else.” Commentators note the irony of a historic society seeking self-governance only to face a congressional mandate that would limit that autonomy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The DAR has a longstanding tradition of celebrating and empowering women who represent the exceptional heritage of the birth of our Nation,” — Ben Cline, Rep.
- “As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the organization has now abandoned the very principles on which it was founded,” — Ben Cline, Rep.
- “Rather than honoring and preserving a lineage-based organization for women, it has embraced radical gender ideology at the expense of the women it was created to serve.” — Ben Cline, Rep.
- “Transgender Americans are patriots, family members, volunteers, historians, and descendants of Revolutionary War ancestors just like anyone else,” — DAR member (Facebook post)
