The nation cheered briefly this afternoon when the Boy Scouts of America announced they had decided to allow gay scouts into Scouting. But then it became obvious that not only was the decision merely a recommendation by the BSA’s executive committee, subject to a vote by the 1400 National Council members, but the recommendation specifically indicates gay adults will not be allowed into the Boy Scouts.
You can call that a small win, you can call that progress, or not.
I vote for not.
Here’s why the proposal to end the ban on gay scouts, but leave the ban on gay scout leaders is anti-gay  — and potentially dangerous to gay and questioning youth and teens.
The decision to allow scouts into the Boy Scouts of America is explained in the BSA’s proposed Membership Standards Resolution, a full copy of which is below. The proposal notes:
Scouting is a youth program, and any sexual conduct, whether homosexual or heterosexual, by youth of Scouting age is contrary to the virtues of Scouting
And therein lies the problem. The Boy Scouts are stating that homosexuality is a behavior, an activity, “conduct,” and, therefore, a choice.
By claiming homosexuality is a choice, the BSA is poisoning the minds of gay, bisexual, or transgender scouts. And claiming that homosexuality is a behavior and not an essential part of a person’s being is dehumanizing, dangerous, and in line with the dangerous ex-gay movement.
Gay people are not inherently pedophiles any more than straight people are.
By restricting the Boy Scouts’ leadership only to heterosexuals, the Boy Scouts of America are supporting the harmful myth that gay people will sexually abuse children, thus teaching gay bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth that they will be perceived as pedophiles when they grow up.
“Yet again, the Boy Scouts of America has failed its members, corporate sponsors, donors and the millions of Americans who agree that the time to end discrimination in Scouting is now,” said Rich Ferraro, Vice President of Communications at GLAAD, via their website:
“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. We’re living in a culture where, until every young person and parent have the same opportunity to serve, the Boy Scouts will continue to see a decline in both membership and donations.”
“I am appalled at the Boys Scouts’ announcement,” said Ohio mom Jennifer Tyrrell, who was ousted as leader of her son’s Cub Scouts pack in April 2012 because she’s gay. “The fact that they are still telling children their parents aren’t good enough is heartbreaking to me. How many times do families like mine have to be rejected by this organization? The release of this information at the same time our fellow Americans in Boston are suffering so much is nothing short of despicable. In a time, when we as a country need to stand up and show solidarity, compassion, and love for all, the BSA is continuing to divide the country with their discriminatory policy.”
The question also becomes, what happens when an Eagle Scout turns 18? Are they forced to quit on their day of majority if they’re gay?
Of course, the radical religious right is none too pleased either:
Boy Scouts Of America Proposed Standards for Membership
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