Index: bp-groups/bp-groups-template.php
===================================================================
--- bp-groups/bp-groups-template.php
+++ bp-groups/bp-groups-template.php
@@ -1484,7 +1484,7 @@ function bp_group_new_topic_button( $group = false ) {
 		if ( !$group )
 			$group =& $groups_template->group;
 
-		if ( !is_user_logged_in() || bp_group_is_user_banned() || !bp_is_group_forum() || bp_is_group_forum_topic() )
+		if ( !is_user_logged_in() || !bp_group_is_member() || bp_group_is_user_banned() || !bp_is_group_forum() || bp_is_group_forum_topic() )
 			return false;
 
 		$button = bp_button( array (
Index: bp-themes/bp-default/groups/single/forum.php
===================================================================
--- bp-themes/bp-default/groups/single/forum.php
+++ bp-themes/bp-default/groups/single/forum.php
@@ -13,9 +13,11 @@ else : ?>
 	<div class="item-list-tabs no-ajax" id="subnav" role="navigation">
 		<ul>
 
+			<?php if ( bp_group_is_member() && !bp_group_is_user_banned() ) : ?>
 			<li>
 				<a href="#post-new" class="show-hide-new"><?php _e( 'New Topic', 'buddypress' ) ?></a>
 			</li>
+			<?php endif; ?>
 
 			<?php if ( bp_forums_has_directory() ) : ?>