A Shift In The Boy Scouts' Gay Policy
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2013-02-04/shift-boy-scouts-gay-policy
Just months after the Boy Scouts of America reaffirmed its national policy to keep gay members out, the group will consider lifting the ban in a meeting this week. While the move has gratified many critics, it has alarmed some longtime sponsors, including churches and civic organizations, who say that lifting the ban would go against their values. Kojo explores the new questions a national policy shift would pose for local scouts, their sponsors and their parents.
Guests
Alvin Townley
Author of "Legacy of Honor:The Values and Influence of America's Eagle Scouts" (Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press); Eagle Scout
David Crary
National Writer, The Associated Press
Todd Leavitt
Eagle Scout; Urban Design Consultant; parent
Comments
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Re: Boy Scouts
I am a former girl scout leader, parent and deeply religious person. There is an issue no one has brought up. When the boy scouts publicly announced their ban on gay participation, it caused quite a large problem for girl scout troops. In Florida where I was living, public schools decided to stop allowing all scout troops--girl or boy--to meet in their buildings. Girl scout troops, who never have focused on this issue at all, were lumped with boy scouts and kicked out of their meeting spaces as well.
While I applaude the boy scouts for having the courage to open this discussion, I am a little jaded because my girls suffered for decisions made by a select group of men. Girls scouting also is very intentional about not discrimination based on religion--or lack thereof. Our oath is very similar to the boy scout oath, and includes reverence for God, but we are encouraged to be flexible and inclusive.
My second issue is that I am very tired of the assumption that religion=discrimination against Gay people. My church has been a haven for all groups---boy and girl scouts who have lost their meeting places because of these issues. My faith teaches that we should be inclusive, not exclusive. Please stop referring to "religious institutions" as if all religious institutions are the same. Instead please say "some religious institutions".
Sincerely,
Jeanie Martinez