---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 U.S.C. § 80504"
title: "36"
title_heading: "Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies, and Organizations"
number: "80504"
heading: "Membership"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/36/80504"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Patriotic and National Organizations"
  - "Part B — Organizations"
  - "Chapter 805 — Gold Star Wives of America"
---

# §80504. Membership

- (a) **Eligibility.—** Except as provided in this chapter, eligibility for membership in the [corporation](/usc/36/220501.md?p=b-7) and the rights and privileges of members are as provided in the articles of incorporation and bylaws.
- (b) **Nondiscrimination.—** The terms of membership may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1363.)

## Notes

| Historical and Revision Notes |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Revised<br>Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
| 80504(a) | 36:1605. | Dec. 4, 1980, Pub. L. 96–497, §§ 3 (related to discrimination in membership), 5, 94 Stat. 2595. |
| 80504(b) | 36:1603 (related to discrimination in membership). |  |