[rpd] [Community-Discuss] Unaddressed queries by AFRINIC during AGMM

[Bill Woodcock]

> On 2 Jul 2021, at 11:49, Owen DeLong <owen at delong.com> wrote:

> Let’s say that [an ISP in Mauritius] also operates an IP Brokerage in the Netherlands trading in allocations/assignments issued by RIPE-NCC and operating entirely within the RIPE-NCC policies.

> 

> Would you still say that it’s legal OK for AFRINIC to reject/terminate the membership of the one operating the brokerage in the Netherlands on that basis?


I believe the point that Mike is making (which I agree with, I don’t think he needs me to reinterpret his already-clear explanation of his thoughts, I’m just registering agreement in my own words) is that, yes, an association can reject the membership of anyone they feel like, particularly if they do so on clear, objective, and transparent grounds.

That’s the difference between an association and a class.  The class of “ISPs in Mauritius” includes all ISPs in Mauritius.  An association of ISPs in Mauritius can include, or not include, anyone…  That’s what an association is: a group of parties who freely choose to associate with each other.  If someone can be forced upon them, it’s no longer a free choice to associate, so it’s no longer an association.

What, may I ask, is your point in arguing that AfriNIC should not be able to define its own membership?

                                -Bill

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