Sec. 26. Nothing contained in sections 1 through 25 of this chapter shall be construed to apply to secret or fraternal societies, lodges or councils that are now organized, or that may hereafter be organized, which conduct their business and secure members on the lodge system, exclusively, having ritualistic work and ceremonies in their societies, lodges or councils, and which are under the supervision of a grand or supreme body, nor to any association organized solely for benevolent purposes and not for profit; nor to any association of religious or secret societies, nor to any class of mechanics, express, telegraph or railroad employees or veterans described in IC 10-17-5-2 or IC 10-17-5-1 (before their repeal) or any existing societies now doing business and formed for the mutual benefit of the members thereof and their families exclusively.
Formerly: Acts 1897, c.195, s.26. As amended by Acts 1980, P.L.38, SEC.18; P.L.2-2003, SEC.70; P.L.42-2020, SEC.18.