| STONEWALL LIBERTARIANS NY CHAPTER'S BYLAWS |
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Stonewall Libertarians
New York Chapter
Chapter Bylaws
Article 1
Name & Territory
Section 1. Name: The name of this chapter of Stonewall Libertarians shall be Stonewall
Libertarians New York.
Section 2. Territory: The geographic territory in which this chapter may operate and recruit
members shall be limited to New York State.
Section 3. Communications: The President of Stonewall Libertarians New York must supply
the Founder of Stonewall Libertarians with an email address and a cell (or home) phone
number to facilitate communication between this chapter and the national organization.
Article 2
Purposes
Section 1: Purposes: The purposes of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall be as follows:
• To reach out to those in the G.L.B.T. community and to others who are gay-friendly to
encourage those with libertarian philosophical leanings to become more politically active;
• To spread the message of liberty to all who will listen;
• To influence the cultural norms of society to provide greater acceptance of all who
may be considered different and to create a more receptive atmosphere for libertarian
ideas;
• To educate the public regarding the benefits of personal freedom and libertarianism;
• To encourage students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs to develop their
leadership skills and to learn more about how they may be able to influence society, affect
the political system, and cause people to become more tolerant and respectful of others;
• To speak out whenever public officials, public figures or those with leadership
positions in political parties make derogatory statements or anti-gay slurs against any
individual;
• To end governmental interference and discrimination against those perceived to be
living a life deviating from the norms of society;
• To liaison with all state and/or local libertarian and libertarian-leaning organizations
and political groups;
• To seek out opportunities to speak, and if possible, to recruit new members, at
college campuses, before state and/or local libertarian and libertarian-leaning
organizations and political groups, and anywhere else that may be appropriate; and
• To sponsor and co-sponsor events that bring together libertarian and libertarian-
leaning individuals who are G.L.B.T., gay-friendly and/or tolerant of those with alternative
lifestyles.
Article 3
Chapter Officers
Section 1. Officers: The five (5) officers of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall be the
following: President, Executive Vice-President, Vice-President, Secretary & Treasurer.
Section 2. Duties: The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
• PRESIDENT – The President of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall also be known
as the Chapter Coordinator. It shall be the duty of the President to call and chair all
meetings of the Executive Committee and of the General Membership of the chapter; to
maintain communication with the national organization; to liaison with G.L.B.T. and
libertarian-leaning organizations; to represent the chapter to all outside organizations in
the geographic territory covered by this chapter; and to carry out the policies and goals
set forth for the chapter by the national organization and by the Executive Committee of
Stonewall Libertarians New York.
• EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT - The Executive Vice-President of Stonewall Libertarians
New York shall perform the duties of the President in the President’s absence and/or
incapacitation, and shall perform such other duties and responsibilities assigned by the
President and/or the Executive Committee.
• VICE-PRESIDENT – The Vice-President of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall
perform the duties of the President in the absence and/or incapacitation of the President
and Executive-Vice-President, and shall perform such other duties and responsibilities
assigned by the President and/or the Executive Committee.
• SECRETARY – The Secretary shall take the minutes at all meetings of the Executive
Committee and of the General Membership, and shall maintain an archive containing all
historical documents regarding the chapter, a record of all meetings held, copies of
bylaws, minutes, officers, and members, as well as copies of all letters mailed to external
organizations, which shall be provided to the Secretary by the President. The Secretary
shall also be responsible for writing and updating an ongoing historical record of the
chapter’s activities, including but not limited to resolutions, OPH booths, co-sponsorships
of events, etc. and providing a copy of that history to the national organization, on a semi-
annual basis, and upon request.
• TREASURER – The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting and forwarding to the
national organization all Membership Applications and dues collected; shall maintain a list
of all Sustaining, Chapter Life, and National Life Members in good standing; shall contact
all Sustaining members of the chapter one month, and then one week, prior to the
expiration of their membership providing them with information with respect to how they
can renew their membership; shall liaison with the national organization to maintain
updated membership information both with respect to dues-paying members and with
respect to those who have selected the free Basic Membership option; shall be
responsible for contacting by e-mail all Basic Members residing within the geographic
territory of the chapter to encourage them to become voting members; and to keep
accurate records of all income received and expenditures made by the chapter.
Article 4
Executive Committee
Section 1. Officers: The Executive Committee of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall
consist of the following five (5) officers: President, Executive Vice-President, Vice-
President, Secretary & Treasurer.
Section 2. Quorum: Quorum for meetings of the Executive Committee shall be a majority of
the number of individuals actually serving on the Executive Committee, who are in good
standing, at the time the meeting is called to order.
Section 3. Notice: All members of the Executive Committee must be given no less than
three (3) days notice prior to an Executive Committee Meeting being held. However, an
Executive Committee meeting may be held on less than three (3) days notice if all
individuals serving on the Executive Committee are present at the meeting or if absent
Executive Committee members have explicitly waived the notice requirement in writing
sent by e-mail to all Executive Committee members prior to the Executive Committee
meeting being called to order.
Section 4. Meetings: All meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held by
teleconference unless all of the individuals serving on the Executive Committee agree to
hold an in-person meeting at a time and place agreed to by all.
Section 5. Robert’s Rules Of Order: The rules contained in the latest edition of Robert
Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of the Executive Committee in all cases in
which they are not inconsistent with the provisions set forth in these bylaws or with the
terms of the formal charter granted to this chapter by the national organization.
Section 6. Term Of Office: The term of office of all officers shall run from the date of their
election at the Annual Meeting until their successors are elected at the next Annual
Meeting.
Section 7. Vacancies: In the case of a vacancy in any officer position, the Executive
Committee, by majority vote, shall select a Sustaining, Chapter Life, or National Life
member of the chapter in good standing to fill the position for the remainder of the term of
office until the next Annual Meeting of the chapter.
Article 5
Standing & Special Committees
Section 1. Standing & Special Committees: The Executive Committee may form standing
and special committees as it deems necessary and appropriate.
Section 2. Appointments: The President shall appoint all members of said committees, who
must be Sustaining, Chapter Life, or National Life Members of the chapter in good
standing, subject to ratification by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Chair: The President shall have the power to designate the Chair of all standing
and special committees and may remove any Chair, without cause or notice.
Section 4. Removal: The President shall have the power to remove any member of any
standing or special committee at any time, without cause or notice.
Article 6
General Membership Meetings
Section 1. General Meetings: The Executive Committee shall call General Membership
Meetings by teleconference at least once every four (4) months upon at least one week’s
notice to all Sustaining, Chapter Life and National Life members in good standing. At said
meeting, the Executive Committee shall report to the General Membership regarding the
progress of the chapter and shall seek input, advice and recommendations from the
membership.
Section 2. Resolutions: Resolutions approved by the Executive Committee may be
submitted to the General Membership for adoption.
Section 3. Motions: During the New Business section of the meeting, any voting member of
the chapter may make a motion calling for an action not inconsistent with the provisions
set forth in these bylaws or the chapter’s charter.
Section 4. Minutes: The Secretary shall take the minutes at all General Meetings and must
forward a copy of the draft Minutes to the Founder of Stonewall Libertarians and to all
Executive Committee members within fourteen (14) days.
Section 5. Nullification: The President, the Executive Committee of the chapter, or the
Founder of Stonewall Libertarians may declare null and void any motion or resolution
passed that is in violation of the provisions set forth in these bylaws or in the formal
charter granted to this chapter by the national organization.
Section 6. Basic Members: Basic Members may be invited to attend General Membership
Meetings but shall not be entitled to vote, nor to make or second any motions. They may be
permitted to speak at the discretion of the President.
Article 7
Annual Meeting & Election Of Officers
Section 1. Annual Meeting: An Annual Meeting shall be called by teleconference once a
year upon at least two (2) week’s notice to all Sustaining, Chapter Life, and National Life
members of the chapter. The Annual Meeting shall be called during the first quarter of the
calendar year. The President of the chapter and the Founder of Stonewall Libertarians
must jointly agree on the date and time of the Annual Meeting. All voting members of the
chapter, including Sustaining, Chapter Life and National Life Members, shall be eligible for
election as officers. Basic Members shall not be permitted to attend the Annual Meeting.
Section 2. Founder Presentation: An opportunity shall be provided at the Annual Meeting
for Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder of Stonewall Libertarians, to report on the progress of the
national organization, to discuss ideas for the future development of the chapter, and to
answer any questions the membership may have.
Article 8
Issues
Section 1. Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual & Transgender Rights Plank: On April 20, 1996, the Rebel
Republicans adopted a Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual & Transgender Rights Plank as part of an
alternative Republican Party National Platform written by Dr. Tom Stevens. On July 20, 2006,
Rebel Republicans and Stonewall Libertarians merged. Despite the fact that this Gay,
Lesbian, Bi-Sexual & Transgender Rights Plank of the Rebel Republicans was not formally
adopted by the resulting merged organization, it is included here to provide guidance to
this chartered chapter with respect to some issues on which it may choose to work.
It is a fundamental principle of our movement that no law or regulation should discriminate
against citizens on account of their sexual and affectional preferences or behaviors. We
support all efforts to end government, law enforcement and judicial discrimination against
gay men, lesbians, bi-sexuals and transgendered individuals and a full recognition of the
past and current contributions that these citizens have made and are continuing to make
to our nation.
We therefore take the following positions on issues.
We support the repeal of all sodomy laws.
We support an end to all law enforcement harassment of gay men, lesbians, bi-
sexuals and transgendered citizens of the United States.
We support the repeal of all laws that criminalize gender cross-dressing.
We support an end to all undercover sting operations which specifically target
homosexual citizens.
We support an end to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy currently in place regarding
gays in the
military as being violative of the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the
United States Constitution. We support the repeal of all laws which ban homosexuals from
serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. We support the establishment
of a strict uniform code of conduct which would apply equally to all individuals serving in
the armed forces. We support such a code setting standards of behavior on base and
while in uniform, but oppose any attempt to restrict the activities of individuals when out of
uniform and on leave.
We support the immediate upgrading of all less than honorable discharges given to
those who were discovered to be homosexual and the deletion of any mention of that fact
from all military personnel files.
We support the repeal of all laws that prevent gay men, lesbian, bi-sexual and
transgender citizens from adopting children from parents who have no objection to such
adoptions.
We support an end to all state interference with the right of citizens of the same or
different genders to get married.
We support an end to all discrimination against gay men, lesbians, bi-sexuals and
transgendered individuals applying for permanent resident status in the United States.
We support granting refugee status to all individuals who face persecution in their
home countries as a result of their sexual orientation.
We support efforts to increase the quality of treatment available for citizens living
with AIDS.
We support efforts to find a cure for AIDS.
Article 9
Charter Information
Section 1. Minimal Number Of Members: To maintain its charter, Stonewall Libertarians New
York must, at all times, have five (5) Sustaining Members of Stonewall Libertarians in good
standing who reside in the geographic territory assigned to this chapter. During the
months of January, February and March, the number of Sustaining Members in good
standing may fall below five in light of the fact that some chapter members may be in the
process of renewing their annual memberships during that time.
Section 2. Prohibition Against Mandatory Chapter Dues & Meeting Attendance Fees: The
chapter may not charge any mandatory dues or meeting attendance fees but may seek
voluntary contributions and engage in fundraising activities.
Section 3. Endorsements: The chapter may recommend candidates for possible
endorsement to the national organization. However, it shall not endorse any candidate
itself. The chapter may support or oppose other ballot measures upon a 2/3 vote of the
SLNY Executive Committee.
Section 4. Rights: All rights to use the name ‘Stonewall Libertarians’ as a service mark,
trademark, corporate entity, and/or unincorporated association belong to Dr. Tom Stevens,
Founder of Stonewall Libertarians. The right to use the name ‘Stonewall Libertarians New
York’ is strictly governed by the provisions of these bylaws and the terms of the charter
granted to it. Stonewall Libertarians New York may not incorporate under that name nor
under any name that includes the words Stonewall Libertarians.
Section 5. Bylaw Amendments: All members are encouraged to recommend to Dr. Tom
Stevens, Founder of Stonewall Libertarians, any bylaw amendment they believe would
enhance the functionality and vitality of the chartered chapters of Stonewall Libertarians.
The Founder may then submit the suggested bylaw amendment to all Chapter Coordinators
and Presidents of all formally chartered chapters for feedback and commentary. Any
proposed bylaw amendment must be ratified by a 2/3 vote of the Presidents of all formally
chartered chapters of Stonewall Libertarians in order to take effect. Proposed bylaw
amendments may be submitted for ratification solely at the discretion of the Founder of
Stonewall Libertarians. Proposed bylaw amendments affecting the bylaws of a single
chartered chapter shall not be considered. Ratified bylaw amendments shall
simultaneously alter the provisions of the bylaws of all chartered chapters.
Section 6. Charter Amendments: Amendments to the charter of any formally chartered
chapter of Stonewall Libertarians may be made at any time by the Founder of Stonewall
Libertarians, so long as those changes do not directly contradict the provisions set forth in
the chapter’s bylaws.
Section 7. Bylaw Interpretations: Upon the request of the President or Executive
Committee of the chapter, or upon the initiative of the Founder himself, Dr. Tom Stevens,
Founder of Stonewall Libertarians, may issue rulings interpreting the provisions of these
bylaws that shall be binding on all members and chartered chapters.
Section 8. Officer Removal: The Executive Committee of this chapter and/or the Founder of
Stonewall Libertarians may suspend or remove any chapter officer for dereliction of duty,
malfeasance, or for taking actions in direct violation of these bylaws and/or the provisions
of this chapter’s charter. The Executive Committee vote required to take this action is a 4/5
vote of the entire Executive Committee of the chapter. The Executive Committee may by
majority vote recommend to the Founder the possible removal of an officer for cause, after
which the Founder shall conduct an investigation into the charges and make a decision
regarding the possible suspension or removal of that chapter officer. The Founder of
Stonewall Libertarians shall have the power to conduct an investigation on his own
initiative, suspending and/or removing a chapter officer as he sees fit.
Section 9. Charter Suspension & Revocation: The Founder of Stonewall Libertarians shall
have the power to suspend or revoke the charter of any chapter that violates the
provisions set forth in these bylaws and/or the chapter’s charter.
Proviso
Once a Chapter Coordinator has three (3) approved Stonewall Libertarians (i.e. Sustaining
Members, Chapter Life Member or National Life Members) residing in the geographic
territory for which the Chapter Coordinator has been appointed, the Chapter Coordinator
shall invite those individuals to participate in an Organizational Meeting. At that meeting,
the standard form bylaws provided by the Founder shall be approved by majority vote and
at least a President shall be elected although the election of individuals to the other
vacant chapter offices may also take place. If the bylaws are adopted and a President is
elected, the chapter shall receive a formal charter from the national organization, effective
as of the date of the Organizational Meeting. Officers elected at the Organizational
Meeting shall serve until the Annual Meeting of the chapter held during the first quarter of
2008. Once these bylaws are adopted at the first Organizational Meeting called by a
Chapter Coordinator, these standard form bylaws may then only be amended pursuant to
the provisions set forth in Article 9, Section 5 of these bylaws.
New York Chapter
Chapter Bylaws
Article 1
Name & Territory
Section 1. Name: The name of this chapter of Stonewall Libertarians shall be Stonewall
Libertarians New York.
Section 2. Territory: The geographic territory in which this chapter may operate and recruit
members shall be limited to New York State.
Section 3. Communications: The President of Stonewall Libertarians New York must supply
the Founder of Stonewall Libertarians with an email address and a cell (or home) phone
number to facilitate communication between this chapter and the national organization.
Article 2
Purposes
Section 1: Purposes: The purposes of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall be as follows:
• To reach out to those in the G.L.B.T. community and to others who are gay-friendly to
encourage those with libertarian philosophical leanings to become more politically active;
• To spread the message of liberty to all who will listen;
• To influence the cultural norms of society to provide greater acceptance of all who
may be considered different and to create a more receptive atmosphere for libertarian
ideas;
• To educate the public regarding the benefits of personal freedom and libertarianism;
• To encourage students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs to develop their
leadership skills and to learn more about how they may be able to influence society, affect
the political system, and cause people to become more tolerant and respectful of others;
• To speak out whenever public officials, public figures or those with leadership
positions in political parties make derogatory statements or anti-gay slurs against any
individual;
• To end governmental interference and discrimination against those perceived to be
living a life deviating from the norms of society;
• To liaison with all state and/or local libertarian and libertarian-leaning organizations
and political groups;
• To seek out opportunities to speak, and if possible, to recruit new members, at
college campuses, before state and/or local libertarian and libertarian-leaning
organizations and political groups, and anywhere else that may be appropriate; and
• To sponsor and co-sponsor events that bring together libertarian and libertarian-
leaning individuals who are G.L.B.T., gay-friendly and/or tolerant of those with alternative
lifestyles.
Article 3
Chapter Officers
Section 1. Officers: The five (5) officers of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall be the
following: President, Executive Vice-President, Vice-President, Secretary & Treasurer.
Section 2. Duties: The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
• PRESIDENT – The President of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall also be known
as the Chapter Coordinator. It shall be the duty of the President to call and chair all
meetings of the Executive Committee and of the General Membership of the chapter; to
maintain communication with the national organization; to liaison with G.L.B.T. and
libertarian-leaning organizations; to represent the chapter to all outside organizations in
the geographic territory covered by this chapter; and to carry out the policies and goals
set forth for the chapter by the national organization and by the Executive Committee of
Stonewall Libertarians New York.
• EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT - The Executive Vice-President of Stonewall Libertarians
New York shall perform the duties of the President in the President’s absence and/or
incapacitation, and shall perform such other duties and responsibilities assigned by the
President and/or the Executive Committee.
• VICE-PRESIDENT – The Vice-President of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall
perform the duties of the President in the absence and/or incapacitation of the President
and Executive-Vice-President, and shall perform such other duties and responsibilities
assigned by the President and/or the Executive Committee.
• SECRETARY – The Secretary shall take the minutes at all meetings of the Executive
Committee and of the General Membership, and shall maintain an archive containing all
historical documents regarding the chapter, a record of all meetings held, copies of
bylaws, minutes, officers, and members, as well as copies of all letters mailed to external
organizations, which shall be provided to the Secretary by the President. The Secretary
shall also be responsible for writing and updating an ongoing historical record of the
chapter’s activities, including but not limited to resolutions, OPH booths, co-sponsorships
of events, etc. and providing a copy of that history to the national organization, on a semi-
annual basis, and upon request.
• TREASURER – The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting and forwarding to the
national organization all Membership Applications and dues collected; shall maintain a list
of all Sustaining, Chapter Life, and National Life Members in good standing; shall contact
all Sustaining members of the chapter one month, and then one week, prior to the
expiration of their membership providing them with information with respect to how they
can renew their membership; shall liaison with the national organization to maintain
updated membership information both with respect to dues-paying members and with
respect to those who have selected the free Basic Membership option; shall be
responsible for contacting by e-mail all Basic Members residing within the geographic
territory of the chapter to encourage them to become voting members; and to keep
accurate records of all income received and expenditures made by the chapter.
Article 4
Executive Committee
Section 1. Officers: The Executive Committee of Stonewall Libertarians New York shall
consist of the following five (5) officers: President, Executive Vice-President, Vice-
President, Secretary & Treasurer.
Section 2. Quorum: Quorum for meetings of the Executive Committee shall be a majority of
the number of individuals actually serving on the Executive Committee, who are in good
standing, at the time the meeting is called to order.
Section 3. Notice: All members of the Executive Committee must be given no less than
three (3) days notice prior to an Executive Committee Meeting being held. However, an
Executive Committee meeting may be held on less than three (3) days notice if all
individuals serving on the Executive Committee are present at the meeting or if absent
Executive Committee members have explicitly waived the notice requirement in writing
sent by e-mail to all Executive Committee members prior to the Executive Committee
meeting being called to order.
Section 4. Meetings: All meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held by
teleconference unless all of the individuals serving on the Executive Committee agree to
hold an in-person meeting at a time and place agreed to by all.
Section 5. Robert’s Rules Of Order: The rules contained in the latest edition of Robert
Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of the Executive Committee in all cases in
which they are not inconsistent with the provisions set forth in these bylaws or with the
terms of the formal charter granted to this chapter by the national organization.
Section 6. Term Of Office: The term of office of all officers shall run from the date of their
election at the Annual Meeting until their successors are elected at the next Annual
Meeting.
Section 7. Vacancies: In the case of a vacancy in any officer position, the Executive
Committee, by majority vote, shall select a Sustaining, Chapter Life, or National Life
member of the chapter in good standing to fill the position for the remainder of the term of
office until the next Annual Meeting of the chapter.
Article 5
Standing & Special Committees
Section 1. Standing & Special Committees: The Executive Committee may form standing
and special committees as it deems necessary and appropriate.
Section 2. Appointments: The President shall appoint all members of said committees, who
must be Sustaining, Chapter Life, or National Life Members of the chapter in good
standing, subject to ratification by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Section 3. Chair: The President shall have the power to designate the Chair of all standing
and special committees and may remove any Chair, without cause or notice.
Section 4. Removal: The President shall have the power to remove any member of any
standing or special committee at any time, without cause or notice.
Article 6
General Membership Meetings
Section 1. General Meetings: The Executive Committee shall call General Membership
Meetings by teleconference at least once every four (4) months upon at least one week’s
notice to all Sustaining, Chapter Life and National Life members in good standing. At said
meeting, the Executive Committee shall report to the General Membership regarding the
progress of the chapter and shall seek input, advice and recommendations from the
membership.
Section 2. Resolutions: Resolutions approved by the Executive Committee may be
submitted to the General Membership for adoption.
Section 3. Motions: During the New Business section of the meeting, any voting member of
the chapter may make a motion calling for an action not inconsistent with the provisions
set forth in these bylaws or the chapter’s charter.
Section 4. Minutes: The Secretary shall take the minutes at all General Meetings and must
forward a copy of the draft Minutes to the Founder of Stonewall Libertarians and to all
Executive Committee members within fourteen (14) days.
Section 5. Nullification: The President, the Executive Committee of the chapter, or the
Founder of Stonewall Libertarians may declare null and void any motion or resolution
passed that is in violation of the provisions set forth in these bylaws or in the formal
charter granted to this chapter by the national organization.
Section 6. Basic Members: Basic Members may be invited to attend General Membership
Meetings but shall not be entitled to vote, nor to make or second any motions. They may be
permitted to speak at the discretion of the President.
Article 7
Annual Meeting & Election Of Officers
Section 1. Annual Meeting: An Annual Meeting shall be called by teleconference once a
year upon at least two (2) week’s notice to all Sustaining, Chapter Life, and National Life
members of the chapter. The Annual Meeting shall be called during the first quarter of the
calendar year. The President of the chapter and the Founder of Stonewall Libertarians
must jointly agree on the date and time of the Annual Meeting. All voting members of the
chapter, including Sustaining, Chapter Life and National Life Members, shall be eligible for
election as officers. Basic Members shall not be permitted to attend the Annual Meeting.
Section 2. Founder Presentation: An opportunity shall be provided at the Annual Meeting
for Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder of Stonewall Libertarians, to report on the progress of the
national organization, to discuss ideas for the future development of the chapter, and to
answer any questions the membership may have.
Article 8
Issues
Section 1. Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual & Transgender Rights Plank: On April 20, 1996, the Rebel
Republicans adopted a Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual & Transgender Rights Plank as part of an
alternative Republican Party National Platform written by Dr. Tom Stevens. On July 20, 2006,
Rebel Republicans and Stonewall Libertarians merged. Despite the fact that this Gay,
Lesbian, Bi-Sexual & Transgender Rights Plank of the Rebel Republicans was not formally
adopted by the resulting merged organization, it is included here to provide guidance to
this chartered chapter with respect to some issues on which it may choose to work.
It is a fundamental principle of our movement that no law or regulation should discriminate
against citizens on account of their sexual and affectional preferences or behaviors. We
support all efforts to end government, law enforcement and judicial discrimination against
gay men, lesbians, bi-sexuals and transgendered individuals and a full recognition of the
past and current contributions that these citizens have made and are continuing to make
to our nation.
We therefore take the following positions on issues.
We support the repeal of all sodomy laws.
We support an end to all law enforcement harassment of gay men, lesbians, bi-
sexuals and transgendered citizens of the United States.
We support the repeal of all laws that criminalize gender cross-dressing.
We support an end to all undercover sting operations which specifically target
homosexual citizens.
We support an end to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy currently in place regarding
gays in the
military as being violative of the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the
United States Constitution. We support the repeal of all laws which ban homosexuals from
serving in the armed forces of the United States of America. We support the establishment
of a strict uniform code of conduct which would apply equally to all individuals serving in
the armed forces. We support such a code setting standards of behavior on base and
while in uniform, but oppose any attempt to restrict the activities of individuals when out of
uniform and on leave.
We support the immediate upgrading of all less than honorable discharges given to
those who were discovered to be homosexual and the deletion of any mention of that fact
from all military personnel files.
We support the repeal of all laws that prevent gay men, lesbian, bi-sexual and
transgender citizens from adopting children from parents who have no objection to such
adoptions.
We support an end to all state interference with the right of citizens of the same or
different genders to get married.
We support an end to all discrimination against gay men, lesbians, bi-sexuals and
transgendered individuals applying for permanent resident status in the United States.
We support granting refugee status to all individuals who face persecution in their
home countries as a result of their sexual orientation.
We support efforts to increase the quality of treatment available for citizens living
with AIDS.
We support efforts to find a cure for AIDS.
Article 9
Charter Information
Section 1. Minimal Number Of Members: To maintain its charter, Stonewall Libertarians New
York must, at all times, have five (5) Sustaining Members of Stonewall Libertarians in good
standing who reside in the geographic territory assigned to this chapter. During the
months of January, February and March, the number of Sustaining Members in good
standing may fall below five in light of the fact that some chapter members may be in the
process of renewing their annual memberships during that time.
Section 2. Prohibition Against Mandatory Chapter Dues & Meeting Attendance Fees: The
chapter may not charge any mandatory dues or meeting attendance fees but may seek
voluntary contributions and engage in fundraising activities.
Section 3. Endorsements: The chapter may recommend candidates for possible
endorsement to the national organization. However, it shall not endorse any candidate
itself. The chapter may support or oppose other ballot measures upon a 2/3 vote of the
SLNY Executive Committee.
Section 4. Rights: All rights to use the name ‘Stonewall Libertarians’ as a service mark,
trademark, corporate entity, and/or unincorporated association belong to Dr. Tom Stevens,
Founder of Stonewall Libertarians. The right to use the name ‘Stonewall Libertarians New
York’ is strictly governed by the provisions of these bylaws and the terms of the charter
granted to it. Stonewall Libertarians New York may not incorporate under that name nor
under any name that includes the words Stonewall Libertarians.
Section 5. Bylaw Amendments: All members are encouraged to recommend to Dr. Tom
Stevens, Founder of Stonewall Libertarians, any bylaw amendment they believe would
enhance the functionality and vitality of the chartered chapters of Stonewall Libertarians.
The Founder may then submit the suggested bylaw amendment to all Chapter Coordinators
and Presidents of all formally chartered chapters for feedback and commentary. Any
proposed bylaw amendment must be ratified by a 2/3 vote of the Presidents of all formally
chartered chapters of Stonewall Libertarians in order to take effect. Proposed bylaw
amendments may be submitted for ratification solely at the discretion of the Founder of
Stonewall Libertarians. Proposed bylaw amendments affecting the bylaws of a single
chartered chapter shall not be considered. Ratified bylaw amendments shall
simultaneously alter the provisions of the bylaws of all chartered chapters.
Section 6. Charter Amendments: Amendments to the charter of any formally chartered
chapter of Stonewall Libertarians may be made at any time by the Founder of Stonewall
Libertarians, so long as those changes do not directly contradict the provisions set forth in
the chapter’s bylaws.
Section 7. Bylaw Interpretations: Upon the request of the President or Executive
Committee of the chapter, or upon the initiative of the Founder himself, Dr. Tom Stevens,
Founder of Stonewall Libertarians, may issue rulings interpreting the provisions of these
bylaws that shall be binding on all members and chartered chapters.
Section 8. Officer Removal: The Executive Committee of this chapter and/or the Founder of
Stonewall Libertarians may suspend or remove any chapter officer for dereliction of duty,
malfeasance, or for taking actions in direct violation of these bylaws and/or the provisions
of this chapter’s charter. The Executive Committee vote required to take this action is a 4/5
vote of the entire Executive Committee of the chapter. The Executive Committee may by
majority vote recommend to the Founder the possible removal of an officer for cause, after
which the Founder shall conduct an investigation into the charges and make a decision
regarding the possible suspension or removal of that chapter officer. The Founder of
Stonewall Libertarians shall have the power to conduct an investigation on his own
initiative, suspending and/or removing a chapter officer as he sees fit.
Section 9. Charter Suspension & Revocation: The Founder of Stonewall Libertarians shall
have the power to suspend or revoke the charter of any chapter that violates the
provisions set forth in these bylaws and/or the chapter’s charter.
Proviso
Once a Chapter Coordinator has three (3) approved Stonewall Libertarians (i.e. Sustaining
Members, Chapter Life Member or National Life Members) residing in the geographic
territory for which the Chapter Coordinator has been appointed, the Chapter Coordinator
shall invite those individuals to participate in an Organizational Meeting. At that meeting,
the standard form bylaws provided by the Founder shall be approved by majority vote and
at least a President shall be elected although the election of individuals to the other
vacant chapter offices may also take place. If the bylaws are adopted and a President is
elected, the chapter shall receive a formal charter from the national organization, effective
as of the date of the Organizational Meeting. Officers elected at the Organizational
Meeting shall serve until the Annual Meeting of the chapter held during the first quarter of
2008. Once these bylaws are adopted at the first Organizational Meeting called by a
Chapter Coordinator, these standard form bylaws may then only be amended pursuant to
the provisions set forth in Article 9, Section 5 of these bylaws.