Can a Non Profit Organization Limit Its Membership

[Lawgirl2]

My question involves business law in the state of: Virginia

Can a non profit organization limit its membership? If so, how should this be stated in the bylaws? Current membership is open to all individuals, but we would like to limit membership so that certain individuals known to cause trouble may not become a member.

[KeyWestDan]

The board can set membership conditions that are reasonable intended to advance the interests of the organization. Bylaws and Robert's Rules can limit the troublesome members too. The board through the bylaws could set rules of conduct and remove members from membership who violate them. There should be rules and procedures to expell members. Of course, if this is a homeowner's association or something like that which is subject to statutes or legal rules, it gets much more complicated.

[flyingron]

It can to some extent. It would depend on what the nature of the enterprise is, but private companies (even if non-profit) are given some leeway. For example, the boy scouts are free to discriminate based on religion.

[Bubba Jimmy]

The Masons (a non-profit organization) exclude women from membership, all of whom are known to be troublemakers...