Belgium Bearpride ASBL – Statutes
Version approved by the General Assembly on 3 March 2025
This English translation of the Belgium Bearpride statutes has no legal value.
It was produced with the help of AI and may contain errors.
Reference should be made to the version published in the Belgian Official Gazette.
TITLE 1 – Name, Registered Office, Duration
Article 1 – Name
The association is named BELGIUM BEARPRIDE.
Article 2 – Registered Office
Its registered office is established in the Brussels-Capital Region, Rue du Marché au Charbon 42, 1000 Brussels, in the premises of Maison Arc-en-Ciel. Any change of the registered office falls under the competence of the Board of Directors.
Article 3 – Duration
The ASBL is established for an indefinite duration.
TITLE 2 – Purpose
Article 4 – Objects and Purpose of the ASBL
The association aims to:
- promote Bear and gay culture, and, by extension, the entire LGBTQIA+ community,
- organize events bringing together the homosexual community, particularly the Bear community,
- organize the selection and election of Mister Bear Belgium,
- represent the Bear scene with local, national, and international institutions.
This purpose will be achieved through the following activities:
- Organization of local, national, and international events,
- Website(s) and social media management,
- Creation, printing, and distribution of documents,
- Fundraising to finance ASBL operations or to support the purposes and causes it defends.
The association may perform all acts directly or indirectly related to its purpose. It may lend its support and engage in any activity similar to its objects.
TITLE 3 – Members
Article 5 – Composition
The association is composed of effective (full) members and supporting members. The minimum number of full members is 10 and the maximum is 25. The number of supporting members is unlimited.
Full Members
Full membership requires payment of the annual full member contribution.
Eligible full members include:
- Founding members designated at the Constitutive General Assembly,
- The Mister Bear elected for the year of his mandate,
- Former Mister Bear Belgium titleholders who submit a request,
- Other election candidates who submit a request to the President,
- Volunteers regularly participating in ASBL activities who submit a request to the President,
- Supporting members for at least one year, admitted as full members by the General Assembly upon proposal of the Board of Directors.
Supporting Members
Supporting membership requires payment of a reduced annual fee. Supporting members are invited to General Assemblies without voting rights.
Any person adhering to the association’s values and committing to respect the statutes and decisions in accordance with them may become a supporting member.
Article 6 – Transitional Provisions
At each General Assembly, the Board of Directors may propose candidates for Observer status. Observers are elected by simple majority by the General Assembly. Candidates must have been full members for at least one year and must submit their request to the President within seven days of the convocation.
Article 7 – Membership
Any person wishing to join the ASBL must apply to the President of the Board of Directors. The Board decides, at its sole discretion, whether to grant Observer status until the next General Assembly.
Article 8 – Resignation
a) Full members may resign at any time by submitting written notice to the President.
b) A full member who does not regularly participate in activities or meetings without valid justification and fails to respond to reminders is considered resigned.
c) Non-compliance with the statutes, non-payment of contributions within one month after a reminder, serious misconduct, acts or statements harming the ASBL’s reputation, death, bankruptcy, or absence from two consecutive General Assemblies may result in automatic resignation.
Article 9 – Exclusion and Suspension
Exclusion of a full member may only be pronounced by the General Assembly. The Board may suspend a member pending the Assembly’s decision in case of serious violations.
Article 10
A resigning, suspended, or excluded member, as well as heirs or creditors, has no rights over the social fund and may not claim reimbursements or accounts. Members retain the right to reclaim their contributions.
Article 11 – Register of Full Members
The association maintains a register of full members including name, surname, and address. All admissions, resignations, or exclusions must be recorded within eight days. Members may consult the register upon written request.
Article 12 – Membership Fees
Full members pay an annual fee, reviewed each year, not exceeding €50. Supporting members pay a reduced fee. Only members in good standing may vote at the General Assembly.
TITLE 4 – General Assembly
Article 13 – Composition
The General Assembly consists of all full members and is presided over by the President of the Board, or in their absence, the Vice-President or the senior administrator present. The Board may invite others as observers or consultants.
Article 14 – Powers
The General Assembly has powers recognized by law or the statutes, including amending statutes, electing directors, approving reports and budgets, granting discharge, exclusions, and voluntary dissolution.
Article 15 – Convocation
The General Assembly meets at least once per year. Convocations are sent at least 15 days in advance with the agenda included.
Article 16 – Extraordinary General Assembly
May be convened at any time by the Board or upon request of at least one-fifth of full members.
Article 17 – Voting
Each full member has one vote. Proxy voting is permitted. Observers do not vote but may provide consultative input if invited.
Article 18 – Deliberations
Decisions are made by simple majority unless otherwise provided by law or statutes.
Article 19 – Specific Quorums
Certain decisions require specific quorums. If the quorum is not met, a second Assembly may be convened.
Article 20 – Amendments and Dissolution
Decisions follow the Companies and Associations Code of 23 March 2019.
Article 21 – Written Decisions
Decisions may be taken in writing according to prescribed procedures.
Article 22 – Minutes
Minutes are signed by the President and one administrator, stored at the registered office, and accessible to members.
TITLE 5 – Board of Directors
Article 23 – Composition
The ASBL is managed by a Board of Directors elected for two years by the General Assembly.
Article 24 – Resignation, Suspension, Revocation
Directors may resign at any time in writing and may be suspended or revoked by the Assembly.
Article 25 – Meetings
The Board meets at least once every two months.
Article 26 – Votes
Decisions are taken by absolute majority. The President has the casting vote in case of a tie.
Article 27 – Roles
The Board may designate a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Article 28 – Powers
The Board holds the broadest powers to manage the association.
Article 29 – Representation
The association is validly represented by the President and one Director jointly.
Article 30 – Daily Management Delegation
The Board may delegate daily management to one or more persons.
Article 31 – Publications
Acts regarding appointments or cessation of administrators must be filed for publication.
Article 32 – Liability
Directors incur no personal liability.
TITLE 6 – Internal Regulations
Article 33 – Internal Rules
Internal rules may be drafted and modified by the Board.
TITLE 7 – Miscellaneous
Article 34 – Financial Year
The financial year begins on 1 January and ends on 31 December.
Article 35 – Accounts and Budget
Accounts and budgets are submitted annually to the General Assembly.
Article 36 – Auditor
The General Assembly may appoint one or more auditors for one year.
Article 37 – Dissolution
Upon dissolution, the net assets are allocated to a similar non-profit organization.
Article 38 – Residual Matters
Any matters not covered by these statutes are governed by the Companies and Associations Code of 23 March 2019.
Done in Brussels in two copies, on 03/03/2025
Signatures of all administrators
