| From the archives of The Memory Hole |
The Association of Libertarian Feminists was founded in 1975 by Tonie Nathan, a journalist from Eugene, Oregon, who was the first woman in history to receive an electoral vote. An eclectic, nonpartisan organization, ALF has a membership that includes both women and men, straight and gays, anarchists and limited-government advocates. What all have in common is their support of the free market as well as opposition to sexism and their belief that "government is women's enemy."
At this time ALF activities include the publication of a newsletter and the distribution of Discussion Papers and other relevant literature. We also hold panels, speeches, seminars, and conferences for both libertarians and the general public.
ALF Discussion Papers are not "position" papers, but instead are simply what we think are legitimate libertarian approaches to feminist issues. ALF does, however, take a formal stand on the issue of reproductive freedom; it was adopted by the membership on October 20, 1977:
The basic human right to limit one's own reprodcution includes the right to all forms of birth control (contraception, including sterilization, and abortion), recognizing the dual responsibility of both sexes. ALF therefore opposes all practices and all governmental actions that restrict access to any of these means of birth control, and advocates the elimination of all laws and practices that would compel any woman to bear a child against her will.
ALF has not other "official" positions at this time. However, basic libertarian principles imply opposition to such ideas as protective labor laws, censorship laws, and conscription into the military or national service.
Structurally, ALF has no bylaws and only a handful of organizational guidelines. Although there is a national coordinator and a coordinating committee, local ALF groups are free to set their own programs and activities.
ALF is totally independent of any other organization, and is supported entirely by members' dues and contributions and by money raised through activities like conferences and literature sales. There is no connection of any kind between ALF and the Libertarian Party.
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