Today, the Boy Scouts of America announced they will continue their ban on gay people at all levels in Scouting, as it “remains in the best interest of Scouting.” As we finalize our report which we will publish shortly, here are responses from equality organizations.
Human Rights Campaign
Chad Griffin, President:
“This is a missed opportunity of colossal proportions. With the country moving toward inclusion, the leaders of the Boy Scouts of America have instead sent a message to young people that only some of them are valued. These adults could have taught the next generation of leaders the value of respect, yet they’ve chosen to teach division and intolerance.â€
GLAAD
Herndon Graddick, President:
“With organizations including the Girl Scouts of the USA, the Boys & Girls Club and the U.S. military allowing gay Americans to participate, the Boy Scouts of America need to find a way to treat all children and their parents fairly,” said Graddick in a prepared statement.
“Until this ban is lifted, the Scouts are putting parents in a situation where they have to explain to their children why some scouts and hard-working scout leaders are being turned away simply because of who they are. It’s unfair policies like this that contribute to a climate of bullying in our schools and communities. Since when is that a value worth teaching young adults?”
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Darlene Nipper, Deputy Executive Director:
“Clinging to a policy of exclusion and intolerance is hardly a good lesson for our young people. Once again, officials of the Boy Scouts of America have turned their backs on a chance to demonstrate fairness, exercise sound judgment, and serve as a role model for valuing others, free of bias and prejudice. This is deeply disappointing. Discrimination is never the right policy, period.â€
Change.org has a petition you can sign asking the CEO of AT&T to urge the Boy Scouts to reverse this decision.
We’ll continue to update this story as reactions flow in.