A: In most cases, no. Exceptions:

• When a bylaw provides for its own suspension. For example, consider a bylaw which says

  "Members of this association must be residents of Tunbridge, Vermont. This rule may be suspended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the membership, said majority being present and voting at a regular or properly called business meeting of the association."

  Under the conditions stated in the bylaws, it is possible to suspend this bylaw rule, then elect to membership a resident of Chelsea, Vermont.
• When a bylaw is not really a bylaw; that is, it is not in the nature of a bylaw. For example, consider a bylaw which says

  "Meetings of this association shall begin with a Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America."

  Bylaws are rules that are fundamental to the organization. A rule specifying how meetings are to open is not fundamental, thus not truly a bylaw even though it may appear in a document titled "Bylaws." Such a rule is, instead, in the nature of a standing rule of order. Standing rules may be suspended by a majority vote.