The discrimination needs to stop already. Why is someone's sexual orientation even a factor for anything anymore?
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/29/us/boy-scouts-consider-lifting-ban-on-gay-leaders.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&smid=fb-share
The Boy Scouts of America, with its traditions of youth in uniform and the character-building virtues of honor, has always looked back to an older, more structured image of America, when gay and lesbian people were invisible and silent. It was a view reaffirmed in Scout policy as recently as seven months ago. Openly gay scouts and scout leaders need not apply.
The announcement on Monday by Scouts officials that the ban on gays was in line for elimination was thus a thunderclap on two fronts, scouts and people close to the organization said. First, it removed from discussion the idea, voiced in July by senior national scout leaders, that the ban was in the best interests of scouts themselves.
Perhaps even more momentous was the acknowledgment that scouting itself had moved on, with a diversity of thought like the multicultural and sexually diverse buzz of modern America itself, that no longer could be confined or defined by a dictated policy from headquarters. Local chapters would be able to decide whether to admit gay scouts.
“The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members, or parents,” said a spokesman for the Boy Scouts of America, Deron Smith, in a statement. “This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs.”
Scout officials gave no timeline for making a formal decision, or for putting the policy into effect, but a spokeswoman said in an e-mail that discussion was anticipated at next week’s national executive board meeting. Board meetings are private and closed to the public and the news media, she said.
In 2000, the Supreme Court affirmed the Boy Scouts’ right to refuse gay members.
Groups that had pushed for the change said that even if senior scout leaders had second thoughts about the policy, it would probably be too late.
“The Boy Scouts of America have heard from scouts, corporations and millions of Americans that discriminating against gay scouts and scout leaders is wrong,” said Herndon Graddick, the president of Glaad, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. “Scouting is a valuable institution, and this change will only strengthen its core principles of fairness and respect.”
Mr. Smith, the Scouts spokesman, said that under the proposed policy, “the B.S.A. would not require any chartered organization to act in ways inconsistent with that organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs.” He said that members and parents would be able to choose a local unit that best met the needs of their families.
Critics and supporters alike said that abandoning national policy for local control could have unintended consequences.
Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, a conservative group, said in a statement: “If the board capitulates to the bullying of homosexual activists, the Boy Scouts’ legacy of producing great leaders will become yet another casualty of moral compromise. The Boy Scouts should stand firm.”
Zach Wahls, whose group has been working for more inclusive rules under the motto, “A scout is equal,” said he applauded the change.
“It’s a step in the right direction, and good to see that B.S.A. is softening its position,” he said. “But under the policy change, it will still be possible for some units to discriminate.”
The question of gay scouts and leaders has not been the only cloud on scouting’s horizon.
Revelations about sexual abuse by scout leaders, which have increasingly emerged in recent years, with some victims and parents saying the organization shielded predators, have tarnished the group’s reputation as being always protective of youth.
BUMP!
How about a ban on child molesters? Wouldn't that make more sense? I know they think it is one in the same, but they obviously don't get it.
Exactly Lottie! Being gay does not equal being a child molester! There are plenty of those in the Catholic church!
Quoting Lottie925:How about a ban on child molesters? Wouldn't that make more sense? I know they think it is one in the same, but they obviously don't get it.
Greenie,
We all know that there are child molesting priest's in the catholic church.. However I don't understand how that has to get thrown into a debate over the Boy Scouts. Which Ironically enough is run by the Church Of Latter Day Saints aka Mormons. Mormons do NOT have the same beliefs as the Catholic church.. They aren't the same in almost any way shape and or form.. So why do these two things get thrown into the discussion together.
I was under the impression when you began this thread that this was a discussion on The Boy Scouts... And their ban on homosexuals as leaders.. How do you justify throwing the Catholic church into the discussion??
Quoting greenie63:Exactly Lottie! Being gay does not equal being a child molester! There are plenty of those in the Catholic church!
Quoting Lottie925:How about a ban on child molesters? Wouldn't that make more sense? I know they think it is one in the same, but they obviously don't get it.
It's about damn time they did this...It's pathetic to say ALL Gay men are f'n Child Molesters.
It's too late for me I think. It took them too long.
A little correcting for you. The BSA is not run by the "Church of Latter Day Saints" (no such church as far I know.. but the Mormons attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). Boys Scouts of America are part of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which includes 161 countries. British citizen, Badin Powell was the founder of the BSA.
Here's some figures for you on BSA
Quoting JavaLadybug2:Greenie,
We all know that there are child molesting priest's in the catholic church.. However I don't understand how that has to get thrown into a debate over the Boy Scouts. Which Ironically enough is run by the Church Of Latter Day Saints aka Mormons. Mormons do NOT have the same beliefs as the Catholic church.. They aren't the same in almost any way shape and or form.. So why do these two things get thrown into the discussion together.
I was under the impression when you began this thread that this was a discussion on The Boy Scouts... And their ban on homosexuals as leaders.. How do you justify throwing the Catholic church into the discussion??
Quoting greenie63:Exactly Lottie! Being gay does not equal being a child molester! There are plenty of those in the Catholic church!
Quoting Lottie925:How about a ban on child molesters? Wouldn't that make more sense? I know they think it is one in the same, but they obviously don't get it.
Good I hope it is lifted.
Our troop and others have gay leaders or other volunteers because it is not asked on any online forms or applications. But my concern is after this change what other changes will happen esp to the program as a whole.
Quoting momto3infl:Our troop and others have gay leaders or other volunteers because it is not asked on any online forms or applications. But my concern is after this change what other changes will happen esp to the program as a whole.
