Boy Scouts propose lifting ban on gays, but only for youth

Reuters ^ | Fri Apr 19, 2013 | Atossa Araxia Abrahamian

[upchuck]

The Boy Scouts of America on Friday moved to partially lift its long-standing ban on gays, with a decision that would allow openly gay youth members but continue to bar gay adults in one of the largest youth serving organizations in America.

If the resolution is approved in a nationwide vote in May, "no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone," Deron Smith, the organization's spokesman, told Reuters.

Gay rights groups want the ban lifted for youth and adults and the proposal immediately drew criticism.

"By refusing to consider an end to its ban on gay and lesbian parents, the Boy Scouts have missed an opportunity to exercise leadership and usher the organization back to relevancy," said Rich Ferraro, Vice President of Communications at GLAAD, which promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.

The resolution is the result of a study Smith called "the most comprehensive listening exercise in the history of Scouting" that found parents in three of four U.S. regions opposed the current membership policy.

While the issue remains divisive, "parents, adults in the Scouting community, and teens alike tend to agree that youth should not be denied the benefits of Scouting," concluded the study, which surveyed members, parents, religious groups and local councils.

"It wasn't very long ago that these guys stood before the Supreme Court and said that denying gays membership was a fundamental cornerstone belief of their organization," Boyle added, citing a 2000 Supreme Court ruling that granted the Boy Scouts the right to uphold their membership policy.

[jmaroneps37]

This type of shiite killed Boy Scouting in Canada and will do the same here. No one in their right mind would allow their child in Scouting if this passes. Oh yeah and who will be counting the votes on this question?

[married21]

Exactly. Why would Gay Boy Scouts have loyalty to an organization that will toss them out when they are adults? That policy would be challenged immediately, and would be changed.

This proposal is tantamount to giving up the fight.

And that stinks.

BTW, I think this is the day in the public schools where some kids put tape on their mouths and refuse to speak in class, as a political protest against intolerance of gays. I’m not expecting this at my kids’ schools, but there are other public schools in our area where kids are participating.

[upchuck]

Alternative to BSA: Baden-Powell Service Association.

Cannot vouch for them.

[faithhopecharity]

we need an alternate scouting movement that sticks with its moral and ethical principles

[The Wizard]

NO ADULT GAY LEADERS

[ScottinVA]

If they are so irrelevant, why do you want to be a part of it? Answer that, Nancy Boy.

He was probably panting uncontrollably while saying those words, thinking it's all.... soooooo... close....now.

[Graybeard58]

The titular head of the Boy Scouts is a queer.

Barak Q. Obama.

[Graybeard58]

Didn’t happen in my kid’s school either.

[ScubieNuc]

I agree but I think it needs to be imphasized that it’s not a done deal yet. All this guy is saying is that they are going to vote on the proposal. There is no indication that the votes will go the “gay” way.

My two boys earned the rank of Eagle Scout and I spent a better part of about 12 years holding various adult positions in my boys pack and troop. If the votes do go the ‘gay’ way, it will be the death knell of Boy Scouts in my area.

I’m sure the National Council is getting pressure from some of their deep pocket contributers to allow homosexuality, but the National has to decide if they respect God and His honor code or if they respect mammon more.

[broken_arrow1]

sign the petition

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/demand-removal-of-james-turley-and-randall/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=system&utm_campaign=Send%2Bto%2BFriend

[wku man]

I would really, really like to see, one day before I die, someone with some balls step forward and say what used to be common sense: kids that age don't know what they are! Boy Scouts (Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownie Scouts, Campfire Girls, and all other groups of teens and pre-teens as well) are too young to make rational decisions about their sexual preference...that's why they have these people called PARENTS, to help them figure out who and what they are!

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[Burkean]

Presumably all Scouts will continue to be exptected to be celibate throughout their time in the program, unless they are married. That’s what “morally straight” means.

[nonsporting]

1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

The little queers will corrupt the other children.

We see what has happened to churches which make themselves a welcome “home” for the unsaved—they become dens of iniquity. Churches are for believers. Believers should give the gospel to the unsaved, get them saved, then invite them to church.

The Boy Scouts should be for “morally straight” boys, not for boys “in transition.” The little queers should be converted to straight (if that is even possible) and only then permitted in. Not the other way around.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

OK I have been waiting for several hours to access a “freepable” computer.

Now I’ve got all frustrated reading about this, I’ll probably make a mess of my thoughts. So I’ll keep it simple so if it’s silly to read at least there’s not a whole lot there.

Here goes:

“NO!”.

Thanks. With all regards, BSA Life Scout.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

I agree 100%.

I am not active in scouting anymore, but I am a strong supporter.

This is a nonsensical, brainless bunch of nonsense.

The Boy Scouts are one of the only remaining organizations one can be proud of.

DON’T MESS WITH IT.

At all.

[upchuck]

See #23.

[Persevero]

Well, it takes out an important aspect of “morally straight.”

Also, it lends itself to homo. scouts growing up and saying, why can’t I be a leader? and here we go again.

Also the idea of a 17 year old homo. scout camping with some 14 year old potential playmates is disturbing. Boys have bullying tendencies often. Add sexual perversity into the mix and it gets worse.

[Persevero]

There are some good organizations, such as Boys’ Brigade, and I can’t remember the names of the others.

Not as high profile as the Boy Scouts, but, if enough people join and support them, they will be.

[tom h]

"Boy Scouts propose lifting ban on gays, but only for youth"

Actually, I see the thought process here. The danger is from adult males who prey on the youngsters, not the boys themselves. Clearly there is huge pressure to include everyone.

The problem comes from the definition of morally straight. Now gay boys can consider their "feelings" to be morally straight. Unless the BSA is not going to amend that part, just let the gay boys in and have them suffer with not being in line with the scout teaching.

It was much maligned, but there is a huge amount of wisdom in the military's former "don't ask, don't tell." It let you keep your gayness private and prohibited anyone from asking. The scouts would be advised to allow such for the boys, not for the men.

[SandRat]

Scouts Ping